A major search and arrest operation is underway in Dublin's North Inner City.
The operation codenamed "Tempest" follows a six month covert operation aimed at identifying persons involved in the sale and supply of heroin, cocaine and other controlled Drugs.
The operation was prompted by feedback from residents who engaged with Community Gardai who were tasked with implementing the small areas community policy initiative in the North Inner City. The operation which reflects the issues raised by the residents and Public Representatives who have supported this community oriented approach to policing is expected to result in almost a 100 charges connected with drugs sale and supply offences involving 45 individuals in the area. During the course of the 6 month operation Gardai from the Bridewell, Mountjoy and Store Street Garda Stations worked closely with members of the Garda National Drugs Unit with a view to gathering evidence against drug suppliers in the local communities. Searches have been conducted across the North Inner City over recent days and suspects have been arrested and charged.
The operation continues with more than 100 members of An Garda Siochana from Dublin's North Inner City and the Garda National Support Services including the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Emergency Response Unit, the Garda Air Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit.
Chief Superintendent Patrick Leahy speaking from Mountjoy Garda Station today stressed:
"This Operation is being led out by the Community Policing Gardai attached to the North Central Division and is a direct response to community concerns identified during the door to door engagement by the Community Gardai since January of this year.
To date more the 8,000 residents of the North Inner City have been interviewed by Community Gardai in an effort to provide a more community focused customer centred approach to policing in the area."
This significant operation is being conducted in addition to several smaller operations which reflect a bottom up approach to policing in the area.
At this point in the operation 46 searches have been conducted and 30 persons have been arrested.
All persons charged will be remanded to court No 4 at the Criminal Courts of Justice on the 21st August 2014 at 10.30am.
These arrests are in addition to 55 arrests under Operation "Spire" in Dublin's North Inner City which also forms part of the overall Community Policing approach in the area.
The persons targeted in this operation are those individuals who operate in local communities and have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of local residents and businesses.
The current operation reflects An Gardai Siochana Commitment to tackling the sale and supply of drugs at all levels in keeping with our commitments to the National Drugs Strategy. An Garda Siochima will continue to work together with community groups and individuals to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to protecting our society, individuals and their families from the harm and pain caused by drug use.
