Drugs Seized And 15 Arrests Made In 'Operation Reuben'

Gardaí have arrested a total of 15 people in Co Cork as part of a major anti-drug operation.

Dubbed "Operation Reuben", Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit moved in and arrested 15 people within 48 hours following "a lengthy drugs operation".

Of those arrested, 11, of which two are female, have been charged. The age range is predominately around the twenties.

On Wednesday, 10 of those charged are appearing before Cork District Court and at least one is expected to appear on Thursday.

In total over 50 charges have been preferred, and all are in relation to the supply of controlled drugs which include heroin, cocaine, cannabis & Ecstasy, a Gardaí spokesman said.

Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit in conjunction with the Garda National Drugs Unit carried out the Operation, which lasted over 6 months. It culminated in the last number of days with searches and arrests across Cork City. In the course of the searches further quantities of controlled drugs were seized.

Gardaí say the "test purchasing operation" had a major impact on the sale and supply of controlled drugs across Cork City and County and seriously disrupted the activities of those involved in drug dealing activity.

"Operation Reuben was predominately conducted over a number of week-ends in the latter half of 2008 and early 2009. The number of members involved varied but would usually involved approximately 10 members over a week-end," a Gardaí spokesman said.

In the course of the operation cocaine, cannabis resin and cannabis plants with an approximate value of €6,000 were seized.

(DW/BMcC)