Garda Immigration Unit expanded

A major expansion of the Garda National Immigration Bureau has been announced to combat the trafficking of people into this country and to handle deportations.

Announcing the move the Minister for Justice John O’Donoghue said there was increasing concern at the extent to which Ireland is being targeted by trans-national organised crime.

The number of Gardai assigned to the unit is being increased by 50% to 55.

There are also eight sergeants and a number of senior Garda officers.

The bureau was established last year and since then has deported 276 people.

It also led an operation which ended last week with the first person ever convicted in the history of the state for human trafficking.