An Garda Siochana, in close co-operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Dutch law enforcement authorities, have been engaged in a joint intelligence-led operation.
The two men in their 30's who were arrested in Birr and Roscrea respectively and being detained in Blanchardstown Garda Station in relation to the above investigation - (previous release refers) - have been released without charge.
A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Garda Press Office
08.50hrs 5/9/08
The 42 year old man arrested on Tuesday in Santry in relation to the above investigation will appear before Blanchardstown District Court this morning at 10.30am.
Items seized in this operation will be displayed at Garda Headquarters later this afternoon. Media personnel wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the main gate at 3pm and they will be escorted over to the display area by a member of staff.
Please note that this is a photo opportunity only and no interviews will be facilitated.
Garda Press office,
0835hrs, 4 September 2008.
Following on from yesterday's press release in relation to the Major International Organised Crime Investigation (1038/08 below refers), this morning (3rd September 2008) saw 2 further arrests.
Two male Irish Nationals (both aged in their 30's) were arrested shortly after midnight in Birr and Roscrea respectively.
They are currently being detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act.
Garda Press Office
13.00hrs 3/9/08
An Garda Siochana, in close cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Dutch law enforcement authorities, have been engaged in a joint intelligence-led operation for some time, which culminated in this jurisdiction today with arrests and the seizure of firearms and drugs.
The operation was assisted by Irish Revenue Customs and HM Customs. During the course of the operation in this jurisdiction one man, aged 42 years, an Irish national was arrested in the Santry area of Dublin and is currently detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under the provisions of S.2 Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act.
A further arrest was made in Northern Ireland. To date, in this jurisdiction, twenty seven (27) firearms have been seized, including four machine pistols, a quantity of various types of ammunition and firearm accessories, silencers, etc.
Firearms were also seized in Northern Ireland as part of this operation. A quantity of drugs have also been recovered, primarily Heroin (20 kilos) and Cannabis Herb (10 kilos) which, depending on forensic analysis, may have a street value of in excess of €4m.
Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy welcomed the success of this operation and stated "We believe that this operation has made significant inroads into an international organised crime gang involved on a large scale in the importation & distribution of drugs and firearms into Ireland and the United Kingdom". He acknowledged and paid tribute to the huge levels of cooperation across many law enforcement agencies in all three jurisdictions. "The Garda Siochana constantly maintain high levels of liaison with other law enforcement agencies in our common efforts to curb the activities of those persons who undermine our societies through the dealing of drugs and firearms. This extensive operation could not have been successfully concluded without absolute cooperation across all three jurisdictions and close liaison between the Gardai, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Dutch police & customs authorities, Irish Revenue Customs and HM Customs. It is an example of what is being achieved in our efforts to provide a safer living environment for all law abiding members of the community through the removal of guns and drugs from our streets" the Commissioner said.
The Garda aspect of this operation was co-ordinated by the Garda National Drugs Unit, assisted by other national units from Crime & Security, Emergency Response Unit, National Support Services (CAB, NBCI, OCU, GBFI, Garda Technical Bureau) and local units in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Please note that this operation remains ‘live’ and ongoing and you will be advised further in the event of any significant developments.
Garda Press Office
17.30hrs 2/9/08
