Arrests made as Gardaí and PSNI show intent on tackling cross border criminality

Gardaí and PSNI have made numerous arrests during a high visibility operation aimed at disrupting criminals trying to exploit opportunities on the border.

Yesterday (Wednesday, February 17) a planned Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force Operation tackling rural crime, involving the PSNI and various limbs of An Garda Siochana was conducted along border counties.

This specific day of action spanned the entire border area, concentrating on cross border burglaries and organised crime gangs that use the border corridor to facilitate their criminal activity.

The operation saw the two police forces co-ordinate efforts to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activity, apprehend criminals and enhance shared intelligence.

During the operation a number of detections were made. Five arrests were made for those driving under the influence of an intoxicant; three detections were made for drugs possession arising from a number of drugs searches; three vehicles were seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act; one man in his 40s was arrested following the seizure of suspected heroin, amphetamines and cannabis in Clones.

Separately the PSNI made 12 arrests, eight drugs seizures and seized three vehicles during the operation.

"An Garda Síochána is acutely aware that rural crime has the potential to cause serious harm to local communities and with our colleagues in the PSNI we are committed to working together to ensure we keep everyone safe on both sides of the border," assured Det Supt John O’Flaherty of the North Western Region.

"Last evening’s operation forms part of our continued efforts to disrupt the movements and activities of Organised Crime Gangs and works to reduce and prevent criminal activity in border areas.”

This Joint Agency Task Force operation included collaboration and cooperation with the PSNI and the Garda North Western Regional Armed Support Unit, the Garda Air Support Unit, regular Policing Units, Detective Branches, and roads policing units from the Louth, Cavan/Monaghan, Sligo/Leitrim, and Donegal divisions.