The Irish and British governments were urged today to set up an all-Ireland agency to hit the pockets of criminal and paramilitary gangs on both sides of the Border.
A delegation from the SDLP will put the idea to Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, at a meeting in Dublin today.
SDLP justice spokesman Mr Alban Maginness said the increasing activity of organised crime gangs and paramilitary groups on both sides of the border demanded action on an all-Ireland basis.
"That means the creation of an All-Ireland Criminal Assets Agency as soon as possible," the North Belfast Assembly member said. "The commitment of the British and Irish Declaration to a programme of North-South justice co-operation must be honoured and accelerated.
"This is the future. People need protection and they need the better administration of justice. These proposals create that opportunity," he said.
Earlier this month, Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Taskforce estimated in its latest threat assessment that more than 230 gangs are involved in illegal activity in the North. Criminal gangs have engaged in drug dealing, tobacco smuggling and prostitution. Paramilitary groups are also involved.