Vol. 491 No. 6
249 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention had been drawn to the fact that extensive drug-dealing is taking place in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the additional measures, if any, he will take to combat this scourge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12828/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is one of the areas targeted by Operation Dóchas and Operation Clean Sheet.
Since the commencement of Operation Dóchas the manpower allocation to the area has been increased, with continuous uniform Garda presence in the area from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Garda cover is provided by normal mobile patrols outside these hours. The local drugs unit and detective unit are also active in the area.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that significant detections have been made in the area as a result of Operation Clean Street which is a joint operation involving the Garda national drugs unit and divisional and district drug units.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in the first three months of 1998, 4,624 searches under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act,1977 have been carried out, 94 arrests have been made and 50 premises searched under warrant.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that from 1 January to 31 May 1998 the Garda have made 96 separate drug seizures — mainly of heroin, but quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis were also seized.
The Garda authorities have assured me that the area is receiving ongoing Garda attention.
