Nineteen arrested in Cavan Town drugs clampdown

Gardaí swooped to arrest 19 people in Cavan Town over the last 48 hours as part of a clampdown on suspected heroin dealers in three separate areas nationally.
In total 35 men and women were arrested in Cavan Town, Blanchardstown and Portlaoise as part of a long term Garda operation targeting the network of dealers selling heroin.
The Cavan Town arrrests came under what the gardaí are calling ‘Operation Sarto’ and the suspects are being brought before Cavan District Court.
A Garda spokesperson outlined: 'In the past 48 hours 35 people have been arrested following the culmination of three separate, long term covert Garda operations, aimed at tackling the networks that supply controlled drugs in Cavan Town, Portlaoise and the Blanchardstown area of West Dublin. Arrangements have been made to bring a total of 54 individuals before the respective local Courts, charged with over 240 offences contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84 collectively.

'These operations targeted criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking, with specific emphasis on the supply networks involved in heroin dealing. In total 47 men and seven women, ranging in age from 15 to 49 years, are being prosecuted for drug trafficking offences. These covert Garda operations were initiated by local Garda Management approximately six months ago in response to growing public concern in relation to drug misuse in local communities. The operations were coordinated and supported by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.'
The spokesperson added: 'An Garda Siochana is committed to tackling the illegal sale and supply of controlled drugs at every level in our society by using modern policing methods and innovative approaches. Ongoing operations aim to tackle those criminal networks involved in the sale and supply of drugs and bring them before the courts. Policing of drugs remains as one of the highest priorities for An Garda Siochana to reduce the harm caused by drugs, diminish associated crime and make our communities safer for everyone.'
Those arrested and charged will appear before Blanchardstown, Portlaoise and Cavan District Courts this morning Thursday, January 28 at 10.30am.