FORTY PEOPLE HAVE been arrested over the past three weeks as part of a massive crackdown on the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Dublin.

During the major investigation, Gardaí in Ballyfermot and Clondalkin detained the suspects in connection with heroin, crack cocaine and other illegal substances.

Twenty of those arrested appeared in court yesterday, booked with 150 charges in relation to the operation. The number included three juveniles.

According to the Garda press office, the covert Operation Klaxon began in March this year and has successfully dismantled a number of drug distribution networks operating in west Dublin.

“The Drugs Units based at Ballyfermot and Clondalkin Garda stations working closely with the Garda National Drug Unit gathered evidence against significant targets all of whom are expected to face multiple charges of drug supply,” said a spokesperson.

During the course of searches carried out in the past three weeks further amounts of controlled drugs have also been seized. The focus of this operation has been to gather evidence against significant drug dealers in the Ballyfermot and Clondalkin areas and to ensure that these persons are brought before the courts.

In a separate incident last night, five men were arrested in Cork and 800 cannabis plants were seized.

Yesterday: Gardaí seize 800 cannabis plants, arrest five men in Cork>