THE British Irish Parliamentary Assembly has called for enhanced co-operation by governments across the islands following an increase in cross border smuggling.
The Sovereign Matters Committee say illicit trade has been a consideration for law enforcement officials on the island since customs controls were first introduced in 1922.
They have been considering how Britain's decision to leave the EU is likely to affect cross-border police co-operation and smuggling.
Smuggling of legal goods is usually concentrated on products where there are different excise duties and VAT regimes between the two jurisdictions. The most commonly smuggled items are tobacco, fuel and alcohol.
The committee, which met in Warwickshire in England, found there had been an increase in the number of criminal groups with cross-border operations over the last five years.
They also heard concerns from the PSNI regarding the potential societal impact in Northern Ireland if the UK and EU were unable to agree a formal Brexit withdrawal agreement.
The PSNI warned of potential unrest if higher levels of unemployment, particularly in the agricultural sector, could lead to increased dissatisfaction with current constitutional arrangements in Northern Ireland.
Committee member Declan Breathnach TD said the report "outlines that cross-border co-operation between law enforcement agencies was highly effective.
"The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, and the PSNI Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Stephen Martin, both emphasised the depth of cooperation between the two police forces.
"The strength of the relationship was also apparent at a local level, despite challenges for policing border communities.
"We heard directly from senior officers in the PSNI at Crossmaglen and An Garda Síochána in Dundalk about their highly effective working relationship".
