Three arrested as city street dealers raided by armed gardai

Armed officers were involved in the searches at the Hardwicke Street flats complex, a traditional stronghold of the Kinahan cartel.

The backdrop to yesterday's raids was a major drive against street level dealing in the capital, codenamed Operation Canter.

Gardai yesterday announced results of the operation, saying: "Gardai have seized quantities of cocaine and cannabis along with a sum of cash and an imitation firearm and arrested three men during a planned intelligence-led operation in the Hardwicke Street area of Dublin city centre.

"The operation, led by gardai from the District Community Action Team based at Mountjoy Station, is part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs, specifically targeting those involved in street level dealing in the north inner city area. As part of the operation, seven flats were searched under warrant.

Crossbow

"During the searches, cannabis herb with an estimated street value in excess of €40,000 was seized, along with cocaine worth €3,000 (analysis pending).

"Cash of €4,500, an imitation handgun (ballistic examination pending) and pepper spray were also seized. Three men in their 20s were arrested."

As part of Operation Canter, a woman in her 40s was allegedly found with €2,500 of heroin and a crossbow during searches in Summerhill last week.

"There will be more searches and more arrests. Open street dealing has to be stamped out in the city," a source said last night.