1,000 arrested in Europol-led raid on organised crime

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in European-wide raids on organised crime.

They have been detained on suspicion of a variety of offences including drug smuggling and property crime.

Law enforcement officers from 34 countries have been involved.

The Gardaí have been involved in 106 arrests in total, 79 for crimes, and 27 on arrest warrants.

Police organisation Europol says 30 Romanian children have also been saved from trafficking.

"Operation Archimedes is a milestone in attempts by the law enforcement community to deliver concerted action against organised crime groups in Europe," said Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol.

"The scale of the operation is unprecedented and the outcome, with over 1000 arrests made across Europe, a reminder to even the most serious criminal groups that the international law enforcement community is determined to combat their illegal activities.”