Albanian criminals 'significant' threat here

Albanian crime gangs are muscling in on Britain's highly lucrative heroin market, raising fears of violent turf wars, a new report reveals today.

The eastern European crime groups which already control Soho's vice trade are now targeting the multi-million-pound heroin trade traditionally controlled by the Turkish mafia.

The new development is disclosed in the latest report on serious and organised crime in the UK unveiled by the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

The study reveals that some ethnic Albanian criminals have been acting as enforcers or security for Turkish trafficking groups. Police believe the criminals are using the tactic as the first step to controlling Britain's heroin market.

NCIS says the development follows a pattern established in other European countries where the Albanians now dominate the heroin trade. The report states: "The potential threat in the UK from ethnic Albanian criminals is considered to be significant."

The report also highlighted the increase in trafficking of prostitutes into Britain.