Miniature phones destined for prisons seized by gardaí

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Miniature phones, which were ready to be transported by drone to prisons, have been seized by gardaí.

Gardaí investigating the smuggling of controlled drugs and contraband into Wheatfield, Cloverhill and Mountjoy prisons have carried out searches.

Properties in Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Coolock and Tallaght were searched as well as a number of cells in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.

A spokesperson said: “The searches were conducted by gardai attached to DMR South Serious Crime Unit with assistance from the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Irish Prison Service.

“During the searches of these properties, a number of miniature phones wrapped in insulation tape ready to be sent by drone to the prisons were seized.

“Controlled drugs, including €17,000 cannabis, €5,000 cocaine, €3,000 tablets were also seized.

“In addition, €22,000 in cash, a drone, a Rolex watch, mobile phones, financial documents, improvised weapons and drug paraphernalia including weighing scales and bagging equipment were also seized.”

Gardaí have said investigations are ongoing.