Gardaí have announced the successful dismantling of a significant international drug trafficking network, leading to the seizure of over 100kg of cocaine valued at more than €6 million and the arrest of five individuals.
The drugs were being trafficked by a west Dublin-based organised crime group. The operation, led by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, involved over 100 officers from various units across the country.
The group has been under investigation for trafficking large quantities of heroin and cocaine into Ireland.
As part of a surveillance and intelligence-driven operation, gardaí conducted a raid on a remote farmhouse in County Wexford last night.
During the search, they discovered over 100kg of cocaine concealed within an articulated truck on the property. Four middle-aged men were arrested at the scene.
Further searches were carried out in Dublin and Wexford, leading to the arrest of a fifth suspect in Dublin.
A significant amount of cash was also seized during the follow-up operations, with gardaí still counting the total as part of the ongoing investigation.
One of the individuals in custody is reported to be a key figure in the transportation logistics business. The suspect owns and operates a transport company based on the east coast, employing over ten people and managing a fleet of more than ten articulated trucks, including refrigerated vehicles used to move goods in and out of the country.
Although presenting as a legitimate businessman, gardaí believes the individual became involved with the West Dublin-based organised crime group known as “the family.”
This gang, led by brothers and operating out of west Dublin, has international connections and is considered one of the main traffickers of heroin and cocaine into Ireland. Gardaí suspect the group has been responsible for smuggling drugs worth millions of euros into the country.
The five men arrested in connection with the operation are currently in custody. Garda Headquarters has stated that it cannot provide further details as the investigation remains active.
This marks a major victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking in Ireland.
