Annual arrests for organised crime on the rise

Sixteen convictions secured in last year under special legislation

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said organised crime gangs are creating a 'climate of fear'. Picture: Collins

A record 16 convictions were secured over the past 12 months under special legislation introduced to combat the threat posed by organised crime gangs, as well as 112 arrests.

New figures published by the Department of Justice showed increasing use by gardaí over the past 12 months of Section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 which gives extensive powers to law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem of organised crime.