Some 60 people have been arrested in Dublin, Cork and Wexford as part of a Garda operation into the sale and supply of heroin, cocaine and other controlled drugs.
The six-month operation, coordinated by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, resulted in in excess of 200 drug-related charges made by more than 100 gardaí over 48 hours earlier this week.
Drug unit personnel, supported by regional support units, detective units, dog units and the Drug and Organised Crime Bureau, carried out searches at more than 50 residential addresses in Dublin, Wexford and Cork.
In Dublin, 26 men were arrested in the south inner city as part of an operation by gardaí based at Kevin Street Garda station into a drug network in the area.
The men are due to appear before Dublin District Court on June 11th.
The arrests in south Dublin were part of the second phase of Operation Tempest, which had previously resulted in the arrests of 45 individuals and more than 100 drug supply charges in Dublin’s north inner city last year.
In Cork city, 16 men and 9 women were arrested as part of Operation Emerson, led by gardaí from Anglesea Street Garda station, into the sale and supply of heroin.
The suspects appeared before Cork District Court today.
In Wexford town, gardaí arrested seven men and two women aged between 22 and 61 in connection with the supply of heroin under Operation Denver. The suspects are due to appear at Wexford District Court on June 15th.
Those arrested in Dublin, Cork and Wexford are being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act.
Intelligence operation
The Garda intelligence operation, which is aimed at gathering evidence against significant drug dealers and dismantling organised criminal groups, was launched due to concerns raised by local communities in Dublin, Cork and Wexford.
Chief Supt Michael O’Sullivan thanked those who had raised concerns about the sale of drugs in local communities, and said that he appreciated people’s patience while the investigation was carried out.
“The scourge of drugs in local communities can only be combated with local community support,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“60 people will now go before the courts to face serious charges regarding the supply of drugs on a persistent basis within these areas.
"An Garda Síochána will continue to work together with communities to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to protecting our society, individuals and their families from the harm and pain caused by drug use."
