Thomas P. Broughan
Question:
300. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Operation Thistle; the amount of drugs seized; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/18]
View answer
As the Deputy may be aware, Operation Thistle was set up in February 2016 to target the activities of organised criminals in the DMR South Central Division. Operation Thistle utilises a multifaceted approach in targeting individuals associated with organised crime. The operation is supported by national units as required.
With regard to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána and I will revert to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The focus of Operation Thistle is to target the criminal activities of mid and lower ranking members of Organised Crime Groups (OCG) in the DMR South Central Division. An Garda Síochána reports that Operation Thistle has successfully disrupted the activities of a number of crime groupings in this division.
As of 2 February 2018, approximately €1,399,660 worth of drugs has been seized in the Operation broken down as follows:
- €932,000 of Heroin
- €453,200 of Cocaine
- €11,000 of Cannabis
- €2,000 Prescription Drugs
- €1,460 MDMA
Cash and property have also been seized, all of which has been deemed the proceeds of crime, including:
- €124,740 in cash
- Watches and assorted jewellery to the value of approximately €94,000
- Audi A3 valued at approximately €14,000.
Mobile phones, USB's and other electronic equipment has also been seized and examined along with various financial documentation.
There have been 22 persons arrested during the course of the Operation for offences relating to the Sale and Supply of Drugs, Forged Documents and breach of bail and 16 persons have been charged before the Courts with separate offences, predominantly for breaches of Section 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended. A number of these cases are still being processed through the courts.
The Garda authorities have also advised that Operation Thistle has also been successful in identifying and arresting persons involved in crime on an international basis. Officers leading Operation Thistle have been able to assist International Police Services following operations conducted in this jurisdiction.
I hope this information is of assistance.
