“An Garda Síochána is alert to the fact that particular criminals and organised crime groups may continue to operate while we are tackling issues associated with the existence of the coronavirus or may attempt to take advantage of its existence.”
Gardaí have seized an estimated €350,000 worth of cocaine following the search of a premises in the Cherry Orchard area of Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.
The search was carried out on Monday (16 March) by personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau as part of an ongoing intelligence-led investigation targeting serious crime engaged in by an organised crime group in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
A substantial quantity of a substance suspected to be cocaine – to be determined via forensic analysis – was seized alongside encrypted communications devices.
The estimated street value of the seized substance is in the region of €350,000, subject to confirmation following forensic analysis.
A 29-year-old man, in the premises at the time of entry, was arrested and brought to Clondalkin Garda Station where he remains in custody, pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
“An Garda Síochána is alert to the fact that particular criminals and organised crime groups may continue to operate while we are tackling issues associated with the existence of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or may attempt to take advantage of its existence,” said Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll.
“For this purpose, each of the bureaus within special crime operations is targeting particular criminals and OCGs who are known or suspected to engage in a wide range of criminal activity and will continue to do so until the virus no longer represents a problem within the communities we serve.”
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