James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Quinlivan for raising this very important matter around the issue of Garda Operation Copóg, the aim of which is to target the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Limerick.

The Government is acutely aware of the sustained and significant damage that drug dealing has on communities across the country. Organised criminal activity, including drug dealing, represents a serious threat to communities and safety.

The continued destruction of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other State agencies tasked with responsibility in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past year to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on policing services by the vital enforcement of public health restrictions.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering criminal activity and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illicit drugs. As Minister of State, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Operation Copóg commenced on 8 March 2021 to disrupt and target the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the St. Mary's Park area of Limerick city. Additional resources were also allocated to the community policing unit in Mayorstone and dedicated solely to the St. Mary's Park area to provide a high-visibility policing presence and reassurance to the local community. These community policing members work closely with the divisional drugs at Henry Street Garda station to target individuals who are involved in the sale and supply controlled drugs, with a particular focus on the sale of crack cocaine. Operation Copóg is supported by the regional dog unit, district crime units, the armed support unit and regular units.

I am informed that a search operation was conducted as part of Operation Copóg on 20 December 2021. Search warrants were executed at a number of premises and properties in St. Mary's Park as part of this operation. During the course of the operation, €700 worth of suspected cocaine was seized, along with items used for the preparation of crack cocaine, including baking soda and chemical ammonia. One man was arrested in relation to this investigation and appeared before Limerick District Court on 21 December 2021. I understand that investigations into this matter are ongoing. Operation Copóg was initially planned for a three-month period. However, I am advised it has been extended on a number of occasions due to operational policing demands.

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