Serious Organised Crime Taskforce strategy updated

Keith Brown

The new Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Strategy will see “better collaboration” across all sectors, the Scottish government said.

Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency work with agencies in Scotland, the UK and internationally to tackle organised crime and to dismantle the groups responsible.

This activity has delivered a number of successes in recent times, particularly through the UK-wide Operation Venetic, and Scottish Operation Barricade which has seen the removal of firearms and significant quantities of illegal drugs from the streets alongside a number of arrests.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I want to see a Scotland where we all work together to reduce the harm caused by organised crime. Harm reduction will benefit our communities, businesses and every one of us.

“Serious Organised Crime Taskforce members continue to work with other organisations at home and abroad to tackle these threats. Our multi-partnership approach has delivered notable successes, but there is more to be done.

“This updated strategy puts the emphasis firmly on identifying the key threats and putting our response to those threats at the heart of our efforts. We will have the greatest chance of success if everyone in Scotland plays their part in continuing to disrupt serious organised crime groups to reduce the harm they cause to our communities.”