Gardaí mount covert bus blitz

Plain-clothes gardaí have been deployed on local bus routes across the county in a covert operation targeting suspected drug activity, anti-social behaviour and the threat of public disorder.

The checks, concluding today (Wednesday), September 9, are being carried out on local public transport services in direct response to alleged complaints made to An Garda Síochána by members of the public.

Operated from Cavan Town Garda Station, officers have already been involved in targeting alleged street-level drug dealing in towns and villages.

A key focus of this is based on disrupting the so-called “logistics” behind the countywide drugs trade. “We're focusing on breaking up the supply chain,” explained Cavan Garda Superintendent Gavin O’Reilly.

In recent months planned intelligence-led searches of properties in towns like Cavan Town, Cootehill, Virginia and others have uncovered growhouses, the sale cannabis edibles, laced vapes, and herbal cannabis. Several of the detections have led to persons being brought before the courts.

“We'll have undercover and plain clothes gardaí on these routes, gathering information on drugs but also being there to deal with any anti-social behaviours or public disorder,” Supt O’Reilly said.