Calls for garda power to fight drug business

WATERFORD needs more targeted, expert garda power and resources to tackle drugs and drug dealers, a local TD says. And he’s vowed to fight to have those resources deployed in the region.

Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson has urged the Assistant Garda Commissioner in the south-eastern region, Martin Donnellan, to submit plans to Garda Headquarters outlining how Operation Anvil could be extended to Waterford to target armed gangs and drug dealers.

Deputy Wilkinson was speaking after it was announced that gardaí have begun a new drive to tackle armed gangs and other serious criminals in the regions by extending the €21 million Operation Anvil outside the greater Dublin area.

“Most communities in Waterford are peaceful and prosperous but some are still threatened by a handful of well-organised criminals who peddle their drugs trade using guns and other dangerous weapons.

“They are increasingly targeting commercial premises for robberies and stealing valuable cars to order. Drug dealing needs to be tackled by a major intelligence-led Garda operation. Our communities must be protected at all costs,” said Deputy Wilkinson.

He said he intends writing to Assistant Commissioner Martin Donnellan urging him to submit plans to Garda Headquarters calling for the extension of Operation Anvil to Waterford.

“These plans include lists of criminals who should be targeted. Members of specialist units such as the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) and National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), which probe all serious crime, will be drafted in from Dublin to work alongside local detectives.

“Operation Anvil is about targeting criminal gangs. It is about ploughing resources into a small number of operations. The NBCI’s new 50-strong team will act on intelligence and take a lead role in arresting suspects and carry out searches for drugs, guns and stolen property,” said Deputy Wilkinson.