Up to 60 arrested in Dublin, Cork, Wexford in raids targeting heroin sales

By Cormac O'Keeffe

There are reports that up to 60 people have been arrested in separate operations targeting the sale of heroin in three counties.

The high-level investigations were conducted in Dublin, Cork and Wexford.

The operation was led by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, along with divisional commanders in the three counties.

It is understood that a Dublin south city trafficking gang, an extended crime network in Wexford and significant players in Cork were among those targeted.

Garda management are holding a briefing this morning at National Support Services in Harcourt Square in relation to the investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Michael O’Sullivan, who leads the bureau, will give details of the operation and the background behind it.

The investigation has been ongoing for some time before the arrest operation, which was conducted in recent days in coordinated swoops.

It is understood that many of those arrested will appear in court.

The Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau was set up recently and merged two units, the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Organised Crime Unit.