Dublin drug raids hitting closer to home

On the morning of Monday 8 November some 300 Gardaí assembled as part of one of the largest operations against organised crime in recent years.

The Gardaí conducted the “super raid” in over 33 locations throughout five counties, all connected to a suspected drug trafficking gang based around Sheriff St, Dublin.

Thirteen men, ranging from 17 to 61, were arrested under suspicion of gangland crime and drug trafficking offences. The men were released on Saturday after almost a week of questioning.

A man in his twenties and a youth of 17 have already appeared before the courts and have been granted bail.

The Gardaí seized a small quantity of cocaine, as well as confiscating mobile phones, computers, bullet proof vests and records linked to property investments were taken by the Criminal Assests Bureau.

However, this super raid is the culmination of a 10 month investigation into the suspected Sheriff St gang and a series of minor drug raids conducted throughout Dublin city.

One such drug raid took place on 3^rd November in Rialto where the Gardaí seized heroin with an estimated street value of €100,000.

Three suspects were arrested in the Rialto Court apartment, aged 22, 24 and 16. The two men in their 20s are believed to be members of the inner city drug gang. The Gardaí believe that the 16 year old boy was used to deliver heroin to drug dealers.

They are being held in Kevin St and Harcourt St Garda Stations and are waiting to appear before the courts.

That operation was also a follow up to a similar drug raid in the Dolphin House flats complex in Rialto the previous Sunday.

During this raid Gardaí seized a large quantity of cocaine valued at €50,000 and a handgun.