Issue Date: 4th April 2024
Over the past week, Gardaí from regional and divisional units across Dublin have undertaken in excess of 20 search operations targeting serious crime and illicit drug supply in the city. Operations of particular note include:
On Friday 29th March, a PM-63C RAK Semi-Automatic Machine Pistol, and nine (9) x 9mm Rounds of Ammunition were recovered by Gardaí in Clondalkin during the search of a house. A male in his 20s was detained under section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended and subsequently released pending further investigations.
On Saturday, March 30th, two firearms were recovered by Gardaí in Ballyfermot following a search of a local park. No arrests were made in connection with this discovery, to date.
On Tuesday, April 2nd, the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) conducted a planned search of a residential property in Fortunestown, Dublin 24. During this operation, cannabis with an estimated value of €80,000 was seized, and a male in his 40s was subsequently arrested and charged.
On Wednesday, April 3rd, Gardaí from Ronanstown seized seven (7) firearms and ammunition, along with cannabis and cocaine with a combined estimated value of €200,000 and €100,000 in cash, following planned searches of four residential properties in the Clondalkin area. Additionally, €67,000 was frozen in a bank account as a result of the searches. Tracker devices and mobile phones were also seized in the course of the operation. Investigations are ongoing.
Separately on April 3rd, during a search of a vehicle on Beresford Street, Dublin 7, Gardaí attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) seized cannabis with an estimated value of €200,000. Two males in their 30s were arrested at the scene. Subsequently, a follow-up search at a residential property in Finglas led to the seizure of cannabis with an estimated value of €300,000, and a male in his late 20s was arrested. Another search, on April 3rd at a business premises in Dublin 12 resulted in the recovery of Cannabis Herb and Cocaine valued at €3 million. The three individuals arrested are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Drugs Trafficking Act, 1996 at Garda Stations in the Dublin Region.
Separately, on the 3rd April, at Dublin Port Revenue officers discovered 55 kilograms of herbal cannabis, value €1.1million, concealed in a van arriving on a ferry from the UK. Gardaí from the DMR North Central Divisional Drugs Unit have arrested a male in his 50s and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region.
All seized drugs will undergo analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), and the firearms will undergo ballistic and forensic examination.
Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Region, Angela Willis said:
"I wish to acknowledge the continuous efforts of our members working across the city in tackling serious criminality and those that cause the most harm to communities. Removing ten (10) lethal firearms from circulation will no doubt save many lives and contribute to our efforts to keep communities safe. The impact of the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs and cash, believed to represent the proceeds of criminality, will also ensure that we continue to affect the ability of criminal networks to operate in our communities".
