More drug arrests planned

Further arrests of suspected heroin dealers are to be made in the coming days as part of the Garda undercover operation, Clean street II. A total of 42 alleged dealers arrested yesterday in early-morning raids appeared in Dublin and Kilmainham District Courts.

Gardai have identified almost 30 other suspected pushers whom they are seeking to arrest.

Yesterday's arrests were made by almost 50 gardai from six city divisions who raided the homes of suspected dealers throughout Dublin from 8 a.m. The raids followed a four-week undercover operation involving a core group of 10 gardai who bought heroin and, to a lesser extent, cannabis, at well-known drug-dealing locations.

More than 70 suspected pushers were identified and almost 200 "deals", each worth about £10, were recovered. Gardai said the arrests would continue until all those identified were in custody.

The initiative, co-ordinated by the National Drugs Unit at Dublin Castle, was welcomed by anti-drugs campaigners.

Assistant Commissioner Jim McHugh, who is in charge of the operation, said it began a month ago when gardai began "going into areas where we knew drug dealing was going on" and waited to be approached by pushers.

Among the areas targeted were St Michael's estate in Inchicore, Ballyfermot, Dolphin's Barn, Coolock, Drumcondra, Rialto and Finglas. The city-centre operation included O'Connell Street and Gardiner Street. It is the second time gardai have used these tactics under Operation Cleanstreet. A similar operation in January resulted in more than 25 arrests, mainly in the north inner city and Ballymun.

Assistant Commissioner McHugh said it had proved to be a very successful approach to combating drug dealing on the streets.

"We are constantly looking at new strategies. One is having people visible on the street. But in order to really get results we have to change tactics and introduce new ideas."

He admitted, however, that enforcement on its own would not succeed. "The drug problem is a treatment and education issue as well. As long as there is a demand out there, there will be suppliers. Demand reduction is what we have to focus on in the long term."