Emer Higgins
Question:132. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the actions that are being taken to tackle illegal drug dealing in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8599/22]
View answerThursday, 17 February 2022
Questions (132)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, tackling drug dealing and organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and for An Garda Síochána.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational decisions and the deployment of resources to address drug crime. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
However, the Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of legislative measures such as:
- The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016, which provides additional Garda powers for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime to prevent them being disposed of; and
- The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, introduced to protect the justice system from being subverted by criminal groups, including potential intimidation of juries.
The Deputy may be aware that An Garda Síochána strengthened its capacity to tackle organised crime in 2015, through the creation of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), which is headed by a Detective Chief Superintendent reporting to Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The role is to proactively, via intelligence led investigations, target top tier Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) impacting on this jurisdiction.
The role of the GNDOCB is achieved through effective collaboration with all sections of Organised & Serious Crime, and other sections within An Garda Síochána, through partnerships with other law enforcement agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners and the Naval Service, and partnerships developed with international law enforcement agencies globally.
Since it was established, GNDOCB has had significant successes in tackling organised crime. GNDOCB have been responsible for the seizure of large quantities of controlled substances, cash, firearms, and ammunition. It has also been responsible for bringing numerous suspected offenders before the courts for offences relative to organised crime (directing and participating in activities of a criminal organisation), drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in March 2020, Operation Tara was established with the objective of tackling drug dealing at local and street level which resulted in the establishment of the DMR West Divisional Drugs Units based out of Ballyfermot, Ronanstown, Blanchardstown, Finglas, and Cabra Garda Stations.
In addition, Operation Thoroughfare was initiated in February 2021, in response to the ongoing drug dealing along the canal banks in Clondalkin. Over the course of three months, Gardaí seized over €98,000 of controlled drugs directly relating to drug dealing along these canal banks. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the level of drug dealing in the area has reduced as a result.
In October, 2021, Operation Thoroughfare was expanded to effectively tackle the increased drug dealing taking place in and around Corkagh Park. In the first month, over €29,555 of controlled drugs directly related to drug dealing around Corkagh Park was seized by Gardaí with investigations ongoing into those responsible, for possessing said illegal narcotics. Operation Thoroughfare is ongoing and remains committed to effectively tackling drug dealing in the Clondalkin area.
I understand that the goals of the local policing plan reflects proactive policing around illegal drug dealing. The DMR West Divisional Drugs Unit on a regular basis collaborate with local uniform and detective units. Furthermore, the DMR West Divisional Drugs Unit work closely with regional and national specialist units in targeting individuals and Organised Crime Gangs involved in the illegal sale and supply of narcotics in the Clondalkin and wider DMR West area.
I am informed that a recent operation in January 2022, involved the DMR West Divisional Drugs Unit from all four Garda Stations in the DMR West Division targeting an international Organised Crime Gang based in the Clondalkin area. This operation resulted in the seizure of over €500,000 cash and a number of assets. Garda investigations are ongoing into this significant seizure.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force researches, develops and implements locally orientated and co-ordinated responses to substance misuse in the Clondalkin area. Gardaí form part of this multi-agency approach and regularly utilise the other institutions of the state such as customs, social welfare, housing, and probation services in an effort to tackle local drug dealing issues.
Operation Fógra is An Garda Síochána’s response in the DMR to Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) and continues to be embedded in the Region. The operation has two underpinning pillars: a harm reduction victim centred approach and an information enabled policing informing operational responses. The objectives of Operation Fógra have increased frontline awareness of DRI and enhanced collaboration among operational members.
The relentless efforts of Gardaí in the DMR West Division will continue to proactively identify individuals and gangs involved in illegal narcotics in the Clondalkin area. Gardaí will continue to effectively tackle these individuals and gangs through co-ordinated operations, initiatives, and days of actions. Gardaí will utilise every opportunity to disrupt the activities of these individuals and gangs, together with seizing their assets and illegal gains while holding them accountable before the courts for their actions