Seizures got drug gangs scrambling

TWO ARRESTS IN BIKES CRACKDOWN

TWO people were arrested while 34 electric motorbikes, scramblers and e-scooters were seized during a massive crackdown yesterday on drug gangs using them to evade the law.

The major operation involved 120 officers who searched 40 properties as part of a “Day of Action” in the capital yesterday.

Officers from the Armed Support Unit, the National Dog Unit, the Dublin Crime Response Team and Special Tactics and Operational Command were also involved.

Yesterday’s crackdown was part of Operation Meacan, which was first formed in December 2023 to tackle the use of electric motorbikes in drug dealing, money laundering, transporting firearms and intimidation along with “other serious offences”.

They said motorbikes are often driven on footpaths, parks and laneways to avoid getting caught by gardai.

Cops said they seized 10 Surron electric motorbikes valued at between €4,000 and €10,000, 12 motorbikes and scramblers, along with 12 electric bicycles and e-scooters yesterday.

Three quad bikes were also taken, as well as a jet ski and a trailer valued at around €10,000.

Cops also discovered €42,950 in cash along with €8,000 worth of suspected cocaine and cannabis.

Search

During the search, officers also found five designer watches — one Tag Heuer and four Rolexes — along with designer goods valued at approximately €25,000

The two arrests made were on foot of outstanding bench warrants.

Since Operation Meacan began in December, gardai said they have seized 53 electric motorbikes with a combined value of €300,000.

More than €80,000 in cash, which is understood to be the proceeds of criminal activity, has also been seized.

A Garda spokesman said: “Investigations are ongoing.”

Last year, The Star exclusively revealed drug dealers were using teens to deliver drugs around Limerick on electric bikes and scooters.

We told how runners as young as 13 years old were being used to ferry cannabis, cocaine, and heroin to addicts on the illegal modes of transport because they can weave through heavy traffic with ease.

Meanwhile, gardai seized a huge haul of cannabis sweets and herb following a raid in Dublin.

Officers carried out a search under warrant at a property in Santry on Thursday.

They found suspected cannabis jellies with an estimated value of €38,000, as well as suspected cannabis herb valued at €27,000.

A man aged in his 30s was arrested at the scene. A vacuum packing machine and distinct cannabis jellies packaging was also discovered.