As part of an ongoing investigation by Gardaí in Galway into organised crime in the Western Region a search and arrest operation was carried out this morning. Gardaí searched twenty premises (both private residences and professional offices) and nine males have been arrested.
The operation - Operation Foolscap - is part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in the Western Region including drugs and firearms offences, intimidation, extortion, burglaries and robberies.
The arrests were made for suspected offences under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 and those arrested have been detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Galway, Gort, Loughrey, Tuam and Ballinasloe Garda Stations. The arrested persons range in age from early twenties to early thirties.
Gardai from Galway were supported in today's operation by the Western Region Regional Response Unit, officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, National Support Services and the Organised Crime Unit.
Items seized in the searches include four vehicles, mobile telephones, computers and documentation.
Garda Press Office.
