This is the moment gardai raided a flats complex in an operation against street drug dealers in the north inner city.

Armed officers were involved in the searches at the Hardwicke Street flats complex, a traditional stronghold of the Kinahan cartel.

The backdrop to yesterday’s raids was a major drive against street level dealing in the capital, codenamed Operation Canter.

Gardai yesterday announced results of the operation, saying: “Gardai have seized quantities of cocaine and cannabis along with a sum of cash and an imitation firearm and arrested three men during a planned intelligence-led operation in the Hardwicke Street area of Dublin city centre.

“The operation, led by gardai from the District Community Action Team based at Mountjoy Station, is part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs, specifically targeting those involved in street level dealing in the north inner city area. As part of the operation, seven flats were searched under warrant.

Crossbow

“During the searches, cannabis herb with an estimated street value in excess of €40,000 was seized, along with cocaine worth €3,000 (analysis pending).

“Cash of €4,500, an imitation handgun (ballistic examination pending) and pepper spray were also seized. Three men in their 20s were arrested.”

As part of Operation Canter, a woman in her 40s was allegedly found with €2,500 of heroin and a crossbow during searches in Summerhill last week.

“There will be more searches and more arrests. Open street dealing has to be stamped out in the city,” a source said last night.

Fred, Raids are fine, as long as they find the Drugs, but what about the Dealers? I have said again, and again, Community Policing is the way forward, Cops on the beat, getting to know the young people again, and more importently gaining their Trust.

Fred is wise here:  The Gardai need to be trained on how to infiltrate drug gangs.  They could learn from some of the American States and FBI tactics.  Infiltration is the way forward.  There is a need for good undercover cops on the inside, turnover some of the main players who are facing lengthy prison sentences, gather intelligence.  This is not impossible.  With the proper training it can be done.  Some years ago in Miami, there was major corruption in the Police Department.  The Feds came in, under a Fog, they tapped phones and to make a long story short they arrested 26 corrupt officers from the top down.  Where there is a Will and a system of Good Leadership, anything is possible. Fred