James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Quinlivan for raising the very important matter of Operation Copóg, which targets the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Limerick. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, GNDOCB, is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The bureau's work is supported by Garda divisional drugs units nationwide and by all gardaí working in local communities. The GNDOCB also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other State agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and drug abuse.

On 12 January, An Garda Síochána issued operation statistics on the work on the GNDOCB last year which included: cash seizures in 2021 of €5,639,310 and £38,571; cash forfeited to the State in 2021 of €8,230,886 and £142,520 and $23; and drug seizures valued at €63,689,000, subject to analysis.

I can also inform the Deputy that on 2 July 2021 An Garda Síochána commenced an enhanced national anti-drug strategy, Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels, international, national and local, involved in importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs including that of crack cocaine.

I am assured that gardaí continue to engage closely with Limerick City and County Council to support the regeneration work in St. Mary's Park and to explore enforcement options available to deal with specific individuals and properties involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs. Gardaí also continue to liaise closely with residents and public representatives. I will bring the Deputy's comments to the Minister's attention.

See this speech in context