GARDAÍ IN Cork yesterday carried out a series of raids in various locations in the city and surrounding towns in an operation to combat heroin and drug dealing within local communities.
The searches, codenamed Operation Sweep, began early yesterday morning led by Supt Con Cadogan and involved the Gurranebraher drugs unit and Cork City divisional drugs unit.
Nine people were arrested and brought before Cork District Court where State Solicitor for Cork city, Barry Galvin, told Judge David Riordan the operation was a response to the growing heroin problem in the city.
Heroin and other drugs had resulted in the deaths of five young people in Cork city so far this year, Mr Galvin said, adding that the operation had also involved the HSE who are providing treatment programmes for addicts trying to come off drugs.
Among those charged with drug offences was Alan Staunton (29) of Buckley’s Terrace, Boyce’s Street, Gurranebraher, who was charged with having more than €10,000 worth of cocaine for supply at Glen Ryan Road, Cork, on January 10th last.
Also accused of drug dealing was Joseph Buckley (28) of Castlepark, Ballincollig, Co Cork, who was charged with having €8,000 worth of heroin for sale or supply in Ballincollig on February 15th last.
Others accused of having various kinds of illegal drugs for sale or supply were Adrian Hanley of Westcourt, Ballincollig, Danny Rose of Bridevalley View, Fairhill, Kieran O’Sullivan of Innishmore Grove, Ballincollig, and Michael Devereaux of Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork.
Also before the court was a 17-year-old juvenile, who it was alleged was a pivotal figure in the supply of drugs in the Blarney area.
He was also charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply and was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including a curfew.
All of the cases were adjourned except for that of Thomas Long (26) of Dunmore Gardens, Knocknaheeny, Cork, who pleaded guilty to having drugs for sale or supply at Sunvalley Drive, Cork, on February 15th and was sentenced to seven months in prison.
