Operation targeting dealers ‘sends strong message’

A six-month covert Garda operation targeting heroin dealers in Cork sends out a strong message that offenders will be caught and brought before the courts, senior gardaí said last night.

Chief Supt Michael Finn and Supt Tom Myers hailed the success of Operation Emerson, a test-buying operation involving undercover officers which resulted in 25 people – 16 men and nine women – appearing before the city’s district court yesterday on drugs charges.

Chief Supt Finn said: “We gave a commitment 12 months ago that we were dealing with the heroin issue in Cork. We are tackling it and we will continue to target those who are exploiting people and making money out of other peoples’ misery.”