Gardaí deploy drones in crackdown on scramblers and e-scooters in Dublin

Gardaí have begun using drones as part of operations targeting scramblers and e-scooters.

The newly established Garda Drone Unit provided aerial surveillance to regional and divisional garda units in Dublin targeting the use of scramblers and e-scooters in public spaces, as well as their use in drug dealing and intimidation.

The drone unit was assisted by the new garda aircraft, which became operational last December and is equipped with advanced surveillance, tracking and camera systems.

A total of 11 e-scooters, two e-bikes and one scrambler were seized during the operation in west Dublin on Tuesday.

Videos released by gardaí show members of the unit operating a drone from the street during the operation.

Operation Meacán

A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Gardaí from the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) supported by uniform Gardaí from Blanchardstown and Finglas Community Engagement Areas, DMR (West) conducted a Day of Action yesterday Tuesday 21 July.

“The operation was provided with aerial support by members and a drone from the newly established Garda Drone Unit.”

The statement said the aim of Operation Meacán is to tackle the illegal use of electric motorbikes, e-scooters and e-bikes in public spaces, as well as their use for criminal activity, including drug distribution, money laundering, transporting firearms, drug-related intimidation and other serious offences.

The statement said: “As a result of the operation, 1 scrambler, 2 e-bikes and 11 e-scooters were seized by Gardaí from individuals driving in contravention of regulations and/ or a dangerous manner on public roads and pedestrianised streets.”

One adult male was arrested during the operation and has since been charged and released on bail to appear before the courts at a later date. A juvenile male will be referred to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau.

Expanded use of technology

At a recent Oireachtas committee meeting, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the organisation would begin using drones and its aircraft as part of its response to the use of e-scooters and scramblers, including by criminal gangs.

While legislation introduced in July 2024 allowed for the use of drones in policing, An Garda Síochána had been awaiting the introduction of a code of practice before deploying them.

The commissioner also said he hoped to authorise the use of DNA-tagging spray by the end of the year.

The spray, which is used by police in Britain, enables officers to mark scramblers and other bikes allegedly used in crimes such as drug dealing, robberies and assaults.

The spray marks the bikes, as well as the clothing and skin of riders and passengers, with a unique but invisible DNA marker that can forensically link them to crimes.

Mr Kelly said he had approved a pilot programme with a company and hoped it could begin by the end of the year in areas most affected by scramblers and e-bikes.

He said the spray can be deployed from a “decent distance” and could prevent gardaí becoming involved in “really dangerous pursuits”.

Through drone and other aerial surveillance, gardaí could track tagged bikes to a suspect's home and make an arrest there.