Gardaí arrest three men and seize drugs and designer clothes in Dublin organised crime investigations

Eva Osborne

Gardaí conducting a major search operation in north Dublin, targeting organised crime gangs in the Coolock and Raheny areas, have arrested three men.

Gardaí have also seized suspected illegal cannabis with an approximate value of €160,000, cocaine (€22,000), designer watches and clothing (€161,000), and industrial power tools (€30,000).

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

Three vehicles, and a number of weapons, have also been seized.

During the course of the operation, garda members attached to the Social Welfare Investigation Unit have identified significant and numerous suspected fraudulent claims which will be subject to further assessment.

One man aged in his 20s was arrested in connection with the searches, and detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda station in the North Dublin area. He has since been charged.

Two men (aged in their 20s and 30s) were arrested on foot of outstanding bench warrants.

The three arrested men are currently appearing before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday evening/

The investigation remains ongoing.