'JUNKIE' DISGUISES USED BY OFFICERS IN MAJOR DRUG STING

Young undercover gardai were disguised as addicts and sent out into prime
drug-dealing areas as part of a major operation that culminated in dawn
raids yesterday on more than 70 homes, writes Tom Brady.

Gardai were specially selected from stations across the capital to mount the
six-week surveillance operation that led to yesterday's raids in areas such
as St Michael's estate in Inchicore and Fatima Mansions in Rialto to track
down suspected dealers and complete the ''sting''

In mid-May Assistant Garda Commissioner Jim McHugh decided to reintroduce
Operation Cleanstreet which had proved very effective against street heroin
dealers last January.

The plan devised by Mr McHugh concentrated on infiltrating the dealers'
markets.

SUCCESS

Over the past month since Cleanstreet became operational again on May 18 the
young garda teams negotiated more than 70 deals involving heroin and
sometimes cannabis.

Senior officers are not anxious to spell out details of the operation as
they are hoping for further successes against the street dealers.

Mr McHugh pointed out last night that 66pc of detected crime in Dublin was
committed by drug addicts and a serious reduction in demand would have a
beneficial effect on crime rates.

Many of the dealers being sought by the gardai conceal the drugs inside
their bodies if they fear they have been spotted and are known as
''swallowers'' and ''stuffers''.

''This is not simply a law enforcement problem and we recognise that,'' Mr
McHugh said. ''We are working closely with the local communities as well as
the education and health authorities.''

A Garda survey among addicts showed that cannabis was the initial drug for
51pc, although 32pc went straight on to heroin.

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"