An Garda Síochána says it has “thwarted” 75 assassinations since 2016

100 firearms and 2,000 rounds of ammunition were also seized last year.

An Garda Síochána has revealed the force has thwarted 75 assassinations in the period from 2016 to 2020. The news was revealed as part of the Garda Annual Report 2020 which also outlined how, last year, the number of Gardaí reached its highest level in the history of the State. 388 Gardaí were redeployed to front line policing during the pandemic and 522 trainee and probationer Gardaí were attested early. Over €36m worth of drugs and almost €8m in cash was seized by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau last year, as well as over 100 firearms and 2,000 rounds of ammunition nationally. As well as thwarting 75 assassinations since 2016, Gardaí said they introduced the 4Es - Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce - graduated policing policy as part of the response to Covid-19. There were more than 7,600 criminal charges created in 2020 for crimes involving an element of domestic abuse and protective service units have now been established in every Garda division. "2020 was an unprecedented year for the country that required an exceptional response from An Garda Síochána to help keep people safe during a global pandemic," Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said. "This saw An Garda Síochána and its personnel to react swiftly to provide reassurance to the public that we were there to help them through incredibly difficult and challenging times.” He added: "While crime rates did fall across most areas, criminals still sought to exploit the pandemic. "In particular, significant amounts of drugs, cash and guns were seized, and major figures in organised crime gangs were brought before the courts. This work saved lives and degraded the capacity of such crime gangs. Low level street dealing was also targeted by Divisional Drug Units to support communities blighted by this." Main image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie