Gardaí have arrested 20 young people aged between 16 and 19 as part of a major operation targeting the unlawful use of scramblers, e-scooters and e-bikes in Dublin’s Eastern Region.
The intelligence-led operation, codenamed Operation Meacán, resulted in the seizure of 36 vehicles, as well as drugs with an estimated street value of almost €140,000 and more than €10,000 in cash.
The operation ran from August 10th to September 24th and focused on criminal activity associated with the unlawful use of scramblers, e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as improving road safety and removing vehicles being used illegally from public roads.
Among the drugs seized was more than one kilogramme of cocaine, valued at approximately €100,000. A young person was arrested in connection with that seizure.
Gardaí also seized cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis during the operation. Fourteen premises were searched and €10,200 in cash was recovered.
The 20 people arrested are suspected of involvement in a range of offences linked to the use of the vehicles, including robbery, criminal damage, dangerous driving, possession of articles intended for use in burglaries and the sale and supply of drugs.
Gardaí said one main gang was targeted during the operation, while a number of other individuals were also arrested.
The main areas where the gang was operating included Loughlinstown, Kilbogget Park and Honey Park in Dún Laoghaire, as well as Ballyogan and Leopardstown Valley on the other side of the M50.
Gardaí said prosecutions or referrals to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau have begun in relation to all offences detected during the operation.
Separately, more than 40 people are due to appear before the District Court in the Dublin Eastern Region on Friday as part of Operation Táirge, which targets gangs involved in organised retail theft and related criminal activity.
The 42 people are facing a combined total of 120 charges.
Gardaí said a large number of EU removal orders and deportation orders are expected to follow in connection with the offences.
A total of 142 people have been arrested under Operation Táirge in the Dublin Eastern Region since the national operation began in December 2023.
Chief Superintendent of DMR East David Kennedy said Gardaí would continue to carry out targeted operations, searches and arrests in the coming months.
“This activity will continue into the winter months with targeted operations, searches and arrests, and all assets which we suspect arise from criminality will be seized,” he said.
He added that Gardaí would continue to work with partner agencies, particularly Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour.
