Gardaí targeted over 600 organised crime groups in 2014

An Garda Síochána targeted over 600 organised crime gangs, investigated over 9,000 missing persons cases, and issued over 200,000 penalty-point notices in 2014, according to a new report.

A total of 621 organised crime groups, particularly connected to robbery and burglary, were targeted by Operation Fiacla over the course of the year, leading to 4,078 arrests and 2,369 persons charged.

The Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU) seized €698 million worth of controlled drugs over the same period, including substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, herbal cannabis, cannabis resin and ecstasy.

The figures are contained in the Garda Síochána annual report for 2014, which was published today.

Writing in the foreword, Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan said: “I am pleased to present the 2014 Annual Report of An Garda Síochána that details the work carried out by the organisation on behalf of the State, its communities and its people.

“2014 saw An Garda Síochána face many challenges. However, we are determined these events will come to define the organisation in a positive manner. The challenges we faced gave us an opportunity to evaluate numerous aspects of how we carry out our work and we began putting in place an extensive transformation programme.

“In doing this, we are taking on board the views of our members, previous reports and most importantly the views of the public. We have dedicated hard-working Garda members, staff and Reserves who are open to a culture of change, placing the needs of the public at the heart of everything we do.”