2: Crime

Reducing the harm to the UK from international crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling and money laundering

Other Information:

Organised crime is big business. It poses an enormous threat to the UK, causing misery to individuals and communities, and generating huge economic and social costs. These costs are estimated to be over £20 billion each year. Most organised crime has an international dimension. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin originate overseas. Almost all the cocaine and crack on UK streets comes from Latin America, in particular Colombia. Drugs from Afghanistan account for 95% of the heroin trafficked into the UK. International crime also poses a direct threat to the ability of states, particularly fragile ones, to govern effectively, weakening local and regional stability. Globalisation increases the opportunities for illegal activity. As markets open up and the opportunity to travel expands, the UK must fight organised crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling, fiscal and investment fraud, money-laundering and the use of the internet to organise and promote criminal activity.

Objective(s):

2.1: Crime from Overseas

2.2: Law Enforcement, Judiciary, and Corruption

2.3: Drug Control in Afghanistan

2.4: Policy and Priorities

2.5: Assistance and Training

2.6: Intelligence Exchange and Action

Content