Thirty arrested as gardaí target drug dealing in Dublin

Complaints from residents have prompted a major drug operation in Dublin’s north inner city today.

More than 100 gardaí are taking part in the raids and 30 people have so far been arrested.

The six month covert “Operation Tempest” was set-up to find people involved in the sale and supply of heroin, cocaine and other controlled drugs.

Chief Supt Patrick Leahy said more than 8,000 residents from the area had been interviewed by community gardaí since the start of the year.

“This operation...is a direct response to community concerns identified during the door to door engagement by the community gardaí,” he said.

“At this point in the operation 46 searches have been conducted and 30 persons have been arrested.

“This significant operation is being conducted in addition to several smaller operations which reflect a bottom up approach to policing in the area.”

The operation continues and 45 people from the area are expected to be charged with drug related offences.

The Garda National Drugs Unit, the Emergency Response Unit, the Garda Air Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit are involved in the operation.

The people who have been charged are due to appear in court on Thursday.