MORE ARRESTS are expected in Limerick over the weekend as part of a major operation designed to dismantle the drugs distribution network in the region.
Sixteen men and women were arrested yesterday as part of Operation Kelso which is specifically targeting the sale and supply of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in Limerick.
More arrests are expected today and gardaí say they plan to take a total of 34 people into custody as part of the massive inquiry.
Twelve people were brought before Limerick District Court yesterday. They are charged in connection with the sale and supply of drugs.
A Garda spokesman confirmed that 60 charges would be brought as part of the operation.
The arrests are the culmination of a six-month covert operation targeting both low-level dealers and main drugs suppliers.
Yesterday’s arrests were made mostly in Limerick city but three men were also arrested in Newcastle West in Co Limerick as part of the same investigation.
Cocaine with an estimated street value of €2,500 was also seized during yesterday’s arrests.
The ongoing operation is being led by the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit headed up by Det Sgt Alan Cullen and supported by the National Drugs Unit.
A Garda spokesman described the individuals arrested as part of the operation as “critical in the overall chain” of drugs supply in the Limerick region.