Posted by Nine arrested and garda injured in drug chase during Cork city gathering
…Nine arrested and garda injured in drug chase during Cork city gathering
A garda received “minor facial injuries” after a chase that was caught on video and has since gone viral on social media showing large crowds gathering in Cork city centre.
Gardaí recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine following the chase and as a result of this and “a number of other” incidents in the city, nine people were arrested on Saturday night.
Despite prolonged negative media coverage last week on gatherings in Dublin and Cork – and in spite of pleas from health officials and politicians – huge crowds gathered to socialise once more.
In the video shot by Ali Hamou, a soup run volunteer at weekends, crowds can be seen thronging Cork’s Grand Parade and some then scattering while gardaí give chase on foot.
Mr Hamou, in the video said it was “like something from a movie”.
He said: “The guards are running after the teenagers who are making so much noise and trouble, it’s crazy.”
The crowd can be heard shouting and jeering as gardaí give chase to some people, while other units arrive soon after in an attempt to disperse the mass gathering.
Gardaí said they made a number of arrests for public order offences as part of their patrols to maintain Covid-19 guideline compliance.
Gardaí said most people in Cork city on Saturday night were compliant with Covid-19 guidelines and were part of “family groups and bubbles” enjoying the Christmas lights, takeaway festive drinks and food.
“Gardaí observed and intervened with a group of young males suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs. One male ran from gardaí who, after a brief chase, intercepted and arrested this male,” a garda statement said. Gardaí confirmed this was the chase captured on the video.
“A quantity of suspected cocaine was recovered. One Garda received minor facial injuries during the incident and as a result of a small number of other, mainly related, minor public order incidents, nine males were arrested.”
