As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all Garda Operations. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation Meacan was initiated within the DMR South Division in December 2023 to tackle the illicit purchase and use of electric motorbikes by individuals engaged in drug dealing, money-laundering, and Drugs Related Intimidation (DRI).
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, provides a breakdown of goods and monies seized by the Garda authorities in the DMR South since the commencement of Operation Meacan in 2023.
Description
|
Approx. value
|
53 Electric Motorbikes
|
€300,000
|
Cash
|
€80,140
|
Designer Goods*
|
€45,000
|
*subject to professional examination