Major drugs haul tops €5.2m

Gardaí have made what is thought to be the second largest haul of heroin in an operation targeting an Irish-organised crime gang with international connections.

Detectives from Clondalkin, west Dublin, uncovered 32.5kg of what they suspect is heroin in the second day of searches, also confiscating five firearms, including three machine guns, as well as a further 4kg of drugs.

The heroin seizure has a street value of €4.9m and is believed to be the second largest heroin haul since 54kg of heroin was discovered in Clondalkin in October 2006.

It is slightly larger than the seizure of 32kg of heroin, also in Clondalkin, in January 2008.

Gardaí are satisfied, given the scale of the seizure, that the heroin would have been destined for the national market as well as Dublin.

Drug-making paraphernalia is shown with a display of guns and drugs at Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park

Senior officers said the seizure represents a major blow to the operations and the finances of the gang.

A Garda spokesman said gardaí attached to the Clondalkin Detective and Drugs Units carried out a planned search of a premises at Bluebell Industrial Estate, off the city end of the Naas Rd, on Tuesday.

During the search, 32.5kg of suspected heroin and a 0.5kg of suspected cocaine, pending analysis, were discovered and seized. A handgun and a quantity of ammunition were also seized.

“This is a significant seizure of heroin which causes terrible damage in communities throughout this country,” said a Garda spokesman. “This operation has taken drugs, firearms, and ammunition off our streets which could have caused terrible damage.

“This lengthy operation has caused major disruption to an Irish-organised crime gang with international connections and is part of our ongoing strategy of targeting criminal gangs.”

He said, to date, the investigation had led to the seizure of heroin and cocaine with an estimated value of €5.2m, five firearms, ammunition, and cash.

Tony Duffin of the Ana Liffey Drug Project said Ireland continues to have a significant heroin problem. He said the agency works with 2,500 people affected by addiction every year. “On a daily basis across Dublin, the Midlands, and the Midwest regions [where we work], we see the devastating impact of heroin, and other drugs, have on the individual, their families, and their community.”

A 39-year-old man arrested on Monday in connection with the investigation appeared in court in Blanchardstown yesterday morning charged with drugs and firearm offences.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court on February 18.