GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED 60 heroin dealers as part of a major drugs operation in Dublin, Cork and Wexford.

In the last 48 hours, some 50 residential properties were raided in the three counties.

Gardaí said today that three distinct distribution networks were targeted as part of this operation.

• In Dublin’s south inner city, 26 men were arrested. This is the second phase of ‘Operation Tempest’ which saw 45 people in the north inner city arrested last year. All of those arrested are to appear in court tomorrow.
• In Cork, 16 men and 9 women were arrested and are appearing before Cork Distrcit Court today to answer charges.
• In Wexford town seven men and two women aged from 22 to 61 were arrested and will appear in court next week.

All 60 people are facing charges for distributing heroin.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dublin today, Chief Superintendent Michael O’Sullivan of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau said these gangs have been operating for a “considerable time” and the arrests will have a significant impact on the drugs supply in the country.

There will be a difficulty in buying heroin over the next number of weeks. In the inner city of Dublin there will certainly be a serious shortage. That’s not only because of the supply but the manpower available to distribute it.

Dealers of various levels, from street dealers up, were included in the arrests, he said.

O’Sullivan also thanked communities who have been reporting dealing in their area and thanked them for their patience.

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