Number of Arrests by Gardai in Athlone and Blancharstown.
As part of an ongoing and extensive Garda operation a number of people have been arrested in Athlone and in Blanchardstown/Finglas area. The operation, which begun on Sunday the 24th of January 2010, is being coordinated by the Garda National Drugs Unit, supported by local Garda Drugs Units.
Gardai in Athlone have today the 26th of January, arrested six (6) people, 5 men and one woman all in their 20s or early 30’s. Four have been charged under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and released on bail to appear at Athlone District Court tomorrow the 27th of January; one was brought before Athlone District Court today (25/01/10) and released on bail to appear before that court on the 24th of February. The sixth, a female, appeared before Longford District Court today.
Gardai in Blanchardstown have today arrested eight (8) men in their 20s, they are detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at Finglas and Cabra Garda station and charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act are being considered,. This brings to twenty eight the total number arrested in the Blanchardstown/Finglas area in the last three days as part of this operation.
Superintendent Aidan Glacken of Athlone Garda Station said,” This is a major blow for drug dealers operating in the Athlone area. Gardai from Athlone District will continue to target street level drug dealers and those who supply them”.
This operation has been ongoing for a number of months involving surveillance, intelligence gathering and concluded in the last number of days with a large number of arrests.
Garda Press Office
26th January 2010 17.30
