Move FM Global News

DUBLIN, Ireland – A nationwide law enforcement agency operation which spanned across Ireland this week has seriously disrupted a network of human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Garda attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) with assistance from personnel based in Cork, Waterford and Kerry conducted eight searches and executed 5 European Arrest Warrants at locations in Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Kerry as part of an international initiative.

An Garda Sochna as part of a joint investigation team (JIT) with law enforcement authorities in Lithuania and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), supported by Eurojust and Europol dismantled the activities of an organised criminal group (OCG) suspected to be involved in human trafficking, drug trafficking and associated money laundering.

Five individuals were arrested in Ireland, and brought before a special sitting of the High Court for extradition proceedings. This resulted in 4 of the individuals being remanded in custody to the High Court at a later date while the fifth individual was remanded on bail to the High Court at a later date, subject to certain conditions.

“The operational activity undertaken across three jurisdictions yesterday illustrates the potential to tackle suspected criminal activity engaged in by those who are involved in organised crime that has an international dimension,” Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, who heads up Organised and Serious Crime (OSC) within An Garda Sochna said Thursday.