Published Tuesday, 07 February 2012
Since last April, 26 potential victims of human trafficking in Northern Ireland had been identified by the PSNI.
The victims hail from a number of countries including Ghana, China, Slovakia and Zimbabwe.
Mr Ford pledged his commitment in doing all he can to tackle what he described as a "wicked crime."
Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall of the Organised Crime Branch said the figures are just "the tip of the iceberg".
"Nobody knows the true extent of this crime.
"The crime, by its very nature is hidden, so we need further public information as to where these victims may be in Northern Ireland, so that the police service can affect their recovery," he told UTV.
It is estimated that the illegal trade makes criminal gangs up to £25 million every year, with men paying between £80 and £100 for sex.
Peter Bone is chair of Westminster committee on human trafficking. He described the crime as "widespread" and "under the radar".
"The gangs make as much money out of trafficking as they do from drugs. The difference is there is very little chance of being caught for trafficking because of limited policing resources.
"We want to make it so uncomfortable for the criminal gangs that they won't bother to come to the UK," he explained.
DUP MP David Simpson also sits on the cross-party parliamentary group. He said although the crime is a "growing problem" he believes something can be done.
"It's a bit like voting, it's the will of the people. If people shout enough from the ground about this, then I believe we will see something positive happen in the end.
"If you stop one individual someone else steps in to takeover, so it's a work in progress. We need to just keep at it, and I know there's a willingness within the PSNI to see that happen," he told UTV.
The new offences proposed by Minister Ford would extend powers to prosecute UK nationals who commit human trafficking offences anywhere in the world, and create a specific offence to deal with those who traffick UK citizens within the UK.
The Minister added that his priorities are to support victims, bring traffickers before the courts and raise public awareness of the issue.
"Northern Ireland society should not be ignorant of the fact that trafficking is going on in every part of our community. I therefore welcome the spotlight that is being shone on human trafficking.
"Public awareness is vital if we are to tackle the problem. I would encourage anyone with any suspicions to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers."
Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane said human trafficking should be addressed urgently.
"It is also important that we operate on an all-Ireland basis to the prevention and detection of crime and the promotion of public safety is the right agenda for the Executive to be on," she said.
"One immediate action that could be taken immediately is the creation of an all-Ireland sex offenders register."