Over 100 arrested as part of EU crime probe

More than 100 arrests have been carried out by gardaí as part of an "unprecedented" operation across Europe aimed at organised crime networks.

The operation, code- named Archimedes, resulted in 30 Romanian children being saved from trafficking and more than two tonnes of drugs seized.

In Ireland, gardaí conducted 106 arrests: 79 in relation to crime and 27 in connection with out-standing warrants.

The arrests included:

-40 for burglary offences;

-16 for theft offences;

-Four for counterfeit crimes;

-Four for criminal damage;

-Three for possession of offensive weapons;

-Three for robbery.

-In addition, a further two people were arrested for public order offences, one for drugs cultivation and one for sexual offences.

Gardaí said the 27 warrant-related arrests involved a total of 60 warrants, as some targets had multiple outstanding warrants.

A Garda spokesman said the figures for Ireland were provisional as data was being compiled throughout the Garda regions and the operation was ongoing.

Europol, the EU police agency, conducted the massive operation across all 28 member states. Australia, Colombia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and the US were also involved.

“Operation Archimedes is a milestone in attempts by the law enforcement community to deliver concerted action against organised crime groups in Europe,” said Rob Wainwright, director of Europol.

“The scale of the operation is unprecedented and the outcome, with over 1,000 arrests made across Europe, a reminder to even the most serious criminal groups that the international law enforcement community is determined to combat their illegal activities.”

The Hague-based agency said it was the largest period of joint-action days held so far in the EU, with raids and other interventions taking place between September 15 and 23 in hundreds of locations including airports, border-crossing points, ports and specific crime hot spots.

Results include:

-1,027 people arrested

-599kg of cocaine and 200kg of heroin seized

-1.3 tonnes of cannabis seized

-30 Romanian children saved from trafficking

Europol said that in co-operation with Frontex, the EU border management agency, some 10,000 irregular migrants were checked, leading to the arrest of criminals behind the immigration. It said 170 facilitators were arrested.