Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Operation Clean Street; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions secured to date; the cost of the operation to date; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Clean-street was an initiative undertaken by the Garda National Drugs Unit, in conjunction with District and Divisional Garda Management, to target individuals involved in on-street sale and supply of drugs in communities.

Over the past two years the Garda National Drugs Unit has coordinated eleven phases of Operation Clean-street across Garda Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Carlow, Limerick, Tullamore and most recently in Waterford. The operation has resulted in the arrest of over 400 persons and the detection of almost 750 offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

While the particular information requested by the Deputy in relation to the cost of the operation and the number of convictions arising is not readily to hand, and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile, I am informed that many of the persons charged under the operation have been convicted, with a number of cases remaining before the Courts.

I am further informed that certain phases of this initiative remain ongoing and that the targeting of the on-street sale, supply and distribution of drugs continues in conjunction with District and Divisional Officers.

I can also assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing to tackle the supply of drugs at all levels, in keeping with commitments contained in the National Drugs Strategy.