On 19th June 2020, An Garda Síochána, through the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Dutch Police engaged jointly in an intelligence led operation, targeting an organised crime group (OCG) that includes a number of Irish nationals, who are suspected to be involved in large scale trafficking of cocaine from The Netherlands to Ireland.
In the course of this operation Dutch police searched a premises in Amsterdam, resulting in the seizure of 16 kilogrammes of cocaine (analysis pending), with an estimated Irish street value of €1.12 million. One Irish male, aged 40 years, was arrested and is currently detained.
Coinciding with operational activity undertaken in The Netherlands, members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) searched a total of five premises, located in Counties Meath and Dublin. A motor vehicle, encrypted electronic communication devices and about € 70,000 cash was seized during these searches.
Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner O’Driscoll, Organised & Serious Crime said, “Today’s operation demonstrates the success that can be achieved through real time collaboration with our international law enforcement partners. Through working together, we can effectively tackle transnational organised crime groups.”
Investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.
