Ministers and Police Chiefs Unite in Cavan to Tackle Organised Crime Across the Island
Cross-border policing leaders meet in Cavan to strengthen cooperation and target organised crime networks operating across Ireland.
Senior ministers and the heads of policing on both sides of the border have gathered in Cavan today for the 2026 Cross-Border Police Conference, with the fight against organised crime firmly at the top of the agenda.
The annual conference brings together law enforcement agencies from across the island of Ireland to share intelligence, experience and strategy in tackling serious and organised criminal networks.
This year's theme, "Tackling the Business Model of Organised Crime: One Threat, Shared Responsibility," centres on four key pillars: people, finance, technology and merchandise.
The conference was opened by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD, Northern Ireland Minister of Justice Naomi Long MLA, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
Jim O'Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, said:
"Criminal networks exploit gaps between jurisdictions. They seek out weaknesses and rely on disconnections in intelligence, enforcement and legal frameworks. Neither jurisdiction can succeed in isolation."
Naomi Long MLA, Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland, said:
"Disrupting the business model of organised crime demands a whole system response. It requires the combined efforts of law enforcement, robust legislation, asset recovery, prevention, and victim support."
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said:
"The threat of organised crime on the island of Ireland is a shared responsibility. I am determined that An Garda Síochána will continue to work collaboratively with all our law enforcement partners to continue to disrupt, degrade and dismantle organised crime gangs."
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said:
"We know that organised crime groups continue to exploit the border for their own financial gain. We will not allow criminals to take advantage of the border or of any jurisdictional issues."
The Joint Agency Task Force, which coordinates cross-border enforcement operations between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, was highlighted by several speakers as a key vehicle for delivering results.
Agencies attending the conference include An Garda Síochána, Irish Revenue Customs, the PSNI, the UK National Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, and UK Border Control.