Calls for garda ‘Operation Scale’ to continue work

Ongoing calls have been made for the Garda led ‘Operation Scale’ to continue in Louth, the Argus has learned.

The special operation was established to tackle organised crime in the county following the murder of Garda Tony Golden in Omeath in 2015.

The value of the targeted, intelligence led operation was raised by Superintendent Gerry Curley from Dundalk station on RTE’s Crimecall last month. But there have been concerns at the prospect of a review of the operation by senior gardai, and a decision is expected to be made on whether to continue investing in the additional resources required.

Louth TD Declan Breathnach says he is eager to see the continuation of garda operation Louth.

‘Operation Scale is an intelligence-led operation which seeks to disrupt crime and dismantle organised crime gangs in Louth. It has been hugely successful to date and has netted €1m in cash and property in the last 12 months alone.’

He explained that gardaí have seized drugs, firearms and ammunition over the course of the operation and have also retrieved stolen property.

‘ The operation has coincided with a 45% reduction in burglaries and 20% fall in thefts. Gardaí along with the local community recognise that the operation has been successful to date and are eager to see it continue in the months ahead.’

‘It has been revealed that the operation is up for review at the end of the year and I have little doubt that the review will acknowledge the enormous impact it has had in disrupting organised crime in Louth.’

“The Government needs to make sure that the Gardaí are adequately resourced to continue the operation.

It has a proven track record in tackling organised crime,’ concluded Deputy Breathnach.