Govt to set up special prison units for gangland criminals

The Government is reportedly planning to set up special prison units for people involved in drug-trafficking and organised crime.

Reports this morning say gangland figures will be held in special isolation units in an effort to stop them running their operations from behind bars.

The aim is to keep them separate from other inmates and curb their ability to influence the drugs trade both inside and outside of prison.

This morning's reports say Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has reportedly already approved the move as part of a series of measures to confront organised crime.

The first isolation unit - housing 20 inmates - will reportedly be set up on a pilot basis at Cloverhill prison in west Dublin.