Seven held after Dublin searches

Seven people were arrested this morning following a number of planned searches on homes and businesses in the Dublin area.

Seven people were arrested this morning following a number of planned searches on homes and businesses in the Dublin area.

Over 20 premises were raided this morning in a joint operation involving members of the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and other Garda units.

The searches are part of an operation targeting organised crime activity including drug trafficking, firearms offences and money laundering.

Six men, ranging in age from 17 to 33, and a woman (30) have been arrested.

It is at least the second time the gang has been targeted by the drugs squad in the last few months.

Sources also revealed that the raid follows a pipe bomb attack last November on the parental home of an officer who investigates organised crime. The device exploded at the front door of the Dublin home while the man's mother and father were inside. No-one was injured in the attack but the explosion, and nails packed into the bomb, damaged the PVC front door.

It is understood raids were carried out across the city but the organised crime gang was originally centred in the Clondalkin area.

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Additional reporting: PA