Gardaí have arrested 26 men and 4 women in a series of drug raids in west Dublin in what they say is a major crack down on the heroin trade.
Some 150 gardaí - drawn primarily from local drugs units and the Garda National Drugs Unit - took part in raids on 40 premises in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Ronanstown over the last two days.
Garda spokesman
Gardaí said the operation was aimed at drug dealers operating just above the level of street dealers who have been persistently involved in the heroin trade.
Several quantities of heroin, cocaine and cannabis resin, with a cumulative potential street value of €30,000 were seized during the raids.
False documentation, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and €4,000 cash were also seized during the operations.
15 of those arrested were brought before sittings of Kilmainham and Dublin District Courts on charges relating to drug supply yesterday evening.
The other people arrested are being detained under the provisions of the Drug Trafficking Act under which they can be detained for a total period of up to seven days.
They are being detained at various Garda Stations throughout west Dublin including Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Tallaght, and Blanchardstown.
A Garda spokesman said: "Investigations are continuing and where appropriate, files will be prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions."
Labour Justice spokesman Brendan Howlin, congratulated gardai on the arrest of so many mid-level drug dealers in west Dublin.
He said the raids, seizures and subsequent arrests as a significant strike against those "who profit from making misery in other people's lives".
