Gardai have arrested eight people and seized cocaine worth €2.8 million during a major raid in Dublin yesterday.
As a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity, officers intercepted two vehicles around 11am in the Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown areas.
In addition, a planned search of a business premises on the Long Mile Road took place, which gardai reportedly believe to be a ‘cocaine mixing factory’.
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During the course of the operation, more than 40 kilogrammes of cocaine with a street value of €2.8 million was seized, as well as over 2000 Canisters of Nitric Oxide and €78,000 in cash.
Gardai also recovered a Hydraulic Drugs Press, a quantity of mixing agent, drug mixing paraphernalia, a money counter and several communications devices.
Seven men and one woman, aged between their 20s and 50s, were arrested in relation to drug trafficking.
Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly of Organised and Serious Crime said: "Today’s operation and substantial seizure of cocaine has shown An Garda Siochana is determined to disrupt the distribution networks of organised groups who cause harm to our communities.”
In a press release, a Garda spokesperson said that investigations are ongoing.
They said: “On Tuesday, 14th February 2023, as a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation TARA, personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau supported by the Special Crime Task Force intercepted two vehicles shortly after 11.00am in the Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown areas of Dublin.
“In addition, a planned search of a business premises in the Long Mile Road area was conducted with the assistance of the Garda Dog Unit and personnel attached to the Divisional Drug Units in Ballyfermot and Sundrive Road Garda stations.
“In the course of the operation an estimated 40 Kilogrammes of Cocaine with a street value of €2.8 million (subject to analysis), over 2000 Canisters of Nitric Oxide and €78,000 in cash was recovered. Also recovered was a Hydraulic Drugs Press, a quantity of mixing agent, drug mixing paraphernalia, a money counter and several communications devices.
“Eight persons, 7 men and 1 woman, with ages ranging between late 20s and early 50s, were arrested in relation to drug trafficking and were detained, pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, at Garda Stations in the Dublin region.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
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