MAJOR DRUGS OPERATION IS BROKEN AFTER THREE ARRESTS

A MAJOR cross-channel drugs operation has been smashed following the
arrest of three Englishmen and the seizure of IEP250,000 worth of
heroin in Dublin.

Detectives have arrested a leading figure in a Liverpool-based drugs
gang. Gang members admitted eight similar consignments to Dublin,
amounting to IEP4m worth of heroin imports.

The gang were also hit by drug officers last year when they seized 22
kilos of heroin, with a potential street value of up to IEP10m. That
was the largest ever seizure of heroin in the State. This week's
seizure was also bound for the West Dublin market, where Ballyfermot
and St Michael's Estate in Inchicore are flooded with heroin,
available at IEP20 a deal.

The Liverpool gang import the drugs for a West Dublin gang well known
to the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU). This gang deals in both
heroin and cocaine. Headed by several brothers, the gang are
responsible for drug imports using connections in the North of England.

The Liverpool gang leader, a man in his 40s, was arrested on Tuesday
and GNDU members believe this man was involved in eight other
consignments brought to Ireland over the past year. Each consignment
contained about IEP250,000 worth of heroin.

Drug officers here have now recorded several major seizures against
the gang and are confident they have dented the cross-channel operation.

This latest seizure follows the discovery of IEP15.5m worth of heroin
in three separate seizures in October and November of last year.

Despite this success, heroin is still in plentiful supply. A GNDU
officer warned: "These drugs were going to West Dublin. This was their
seventh or eight run, bringing in a kilo at a time. It's like a
supermarket up there. They are coming from all over, from Arklow,
Mullingar, Athlone, for it."

The arrests followed a three-week surveillance operation, which was
stepped up when the heroin entered the country earlier this week via
couriers travelling on the ferry to Dublin.