Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction Statement Following Verdict on 'Operation Sea Bight' Case at the Cork Circuit Criminal Court
The Joint Task Force on drug interdiction is pleased that this phase of 'Operation Sea Bight' has been brought to a successful conclusion. The international operation demonstrated the capacity of Irish law enforcement agencies to play their part in the European and wider International fight against drugs. It is satisfied that working in cooperation with other partner agencies including Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (narcotics) (MAOC-N), based in Lisbon, Portugal and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) based in the UK, that it has dealt a significant blow against a major organised crime group and prevented a huge amount of illegal drugs hitting the streets of Europe.
This operation proved that the Joint Task Force performed as intended, with the Naval Service carrying out a difficult and successful maritime interdiction of the yacht ‘Dances with Waves’, on the high seas. Revenue’s Customs Service and its maritime branch subsequently conducted an efficient search and seizure operation and the Garda Síochána, both national units and officers from the local Southern Region, brought this difficult investigation to a successful conclusion. The bravery of the naval personnel on the night of the operation and the professionalism of officers from all agencies enabled the arrests to be made without injury to any persons involved, and without loss of vital evidence relating to the case.
This operation was intelligence led and the maritime interdiction phase was directed from the operations centre in the Naval base, at Haulbowline, Co. Cork where the Joint Task Force (Navy, Customs and Garda), co-located. The investigative phase was subsequently conducted from the operational incident room established at Bantry Garda station. The excellent cooperation between the states agencies contributed in no small measure to the success of this operation to-date. International enquiries are ongoing into this and other groups engaged in illicit drug trafficking.
Note to Editors:
The Joint Task Force is a body set up by Government decree to combat the threat of drug importation into Ireland. It comprises of the Naval Service, Revenue’s Customs service and Garda Síochána acting as a joint agency, invoked during operations requiring the assets and resources of all three agencies working together.
[Ends 08/05/2009]