Detectives arrest man suspected of running drugs patch across Galway for major crime gang

 21st January 2022

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Detectives have arrested a man suspected of a running a drugs patch for a major crime gang.

The suspect was detained in Galway yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime operating along the west coast.

The man, aged in his mid-20s, is currently being held at Sligo garda station under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Gardaí suspect the man, originally from a town outside of the city, is the crime gang’s “man in Galway” and is a close associate of the mob.

“This gang is mainly based in Sligo but run a criminal network from Galway along the north west up to Donegal.

“The individual in custody is believed to effectively be this gang’s main man in Galway and is being quizzed about his alleged involvement with this organised crime group.”

One man has already appeared in court as part of the ongoing investigation and was remanded in custody.

Detectives believe the gang have a significant base along the west coast but also have links to significant crime groups in Dublin and Co Louth.

The man currently being questioned can be held for a period of up to seven days before he must either be charged or released from custody pending a file to the DPP.

As part of a separate investigation under the new anti-drug strategy, Operation Tara, gardaí in Cork seized €56,000 worth of heroin yesterday.

Three men have also been arrested as part of the probe targeting people involved in the sale and supply of drugs in Cork city.

At 5.20pm yesterday, gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit observed three persons engaged in a suspected drugs transaction on St Mary’s Avenue, Cathedral Road.

Following a search, the three men were found to be in possession of 400g of suspected Diamorphine with a street value of approximately €56,000.

A Garda spokesman said that the drugs were seized and have been sent for analysis.

“One man, aged in his 40s, and two men, aged in their 30s, were arrested at the scene and taken to Gurranabraher Garda Station and Bridewell Garda Station respectively, where they are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. Investigations are ongoing.

“This seizure is part of An Garda Síochána’s national anti-drugs strategy, Operation Tara, which aims to disrupt drug trafficking networks involved in the sale, supply and distribution of controlled drugs at local, national and international level.”