Garda crime raids: Seven now in custody

The number of people arrested as part of a garda crackdown on organised crime in Dublin this morning has risen to seven.

Gardaí said a 30 -year old-woman was among those held and is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at Crumlin Garda Station.

A 21-year-old man is being held at Ballyfermot Garda under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, while three males aged 30, 17 and 21 years are detained under Section 30 of The Offences Against The State Act 1939 at Clondalkin Garda Station.

Two males aged 33 and 22 were detained at Bridewell Garda Station on foot of outstanding warrants.

More than 20 homes and business premises were searched in dawn raids across Dublin as part of a crackdown on a major organised crime outfit in the capital.

The operation was carried out by officers from the National Drugs Unit supported by local drugs units, the Criminal Assets Bureau and other Garda units.

It is at least the second time the criminal associates have been targeted by the drugs squad in the last few months.

Sources also revealed that the raid follows a pipe bomb attack last November on the parental home of an officer who investigates organised crime.

The device exploded at the front door of the Dublin home while the man’s mother and father were inside.

No-one was injured in the attack but the explosion, and nails packed into the bomb, damaged the PVC front door.

It is understood raids were carried out across the city but the organised crime gang was originally centred in the Clondalkin area.