Nine held as 300 gardaí carry out drug searches

Nine people were arrested today after a massive Garda blitz on suspected drugs gangs.

The dawn operation involved about 300 officers mainly targeting organised crime in Dublin’s north inner city.

Raids were also carried out in Cork, Wexford, Kildare and Cavan.

Nine men aged from 20 to 61 were being questioned at Garda stations across the country.

A Garda spokesman said the raids were co-ordinated from Store Street Garda Station as part of an on-going intelligence-led investigation into drug trafficking.

Up to 300 gardaí were drafted in for the massive crackdown searching homes, business premises and other property at 33 locations.

Seven of the suspects were being held under tough anti-gang laws brought in last year. They are being held on suspicion of participation and contribution to activities intended to enhance the ability of a criminal organisation.

The raids targeted a major gang operating out of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street in Dublin.

A number of Garda divisions were involved in the operation including the Criminal Assets Bureau, the armed Emergency Response Unit, the Organised Crime Unit, Air Support Unit, dog handlers and the riot squad.

The arrested men included a 20-year-old in Cork, a 48-year-old in Enniscorthy, three men aged 17, 23 and 61, taken to Store Street, another 23-year-old and a 41-year-old detained in the Bridewell, a 40-year-old in Mountjoy and a 20-year-old in Whitehall.

The operation began at about 4am.