BREAKING: 33 people arrested in Rathkeale following garda day of action

THIRTY-THREE individuals were arrested in Rathkeale today following a day-of-action conducted by An Garda Síochána from the Limerick County Community Engagement and Limerick Crime Functional Areas.

Over 20 Garda personnel, supported by the Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit and the Department of Social Protection, participated in the intelligence-led operation, targeting ongoing criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

In the course of the operation 33 individuals were arrested, including 30 on outstanding bench warrants, two in connection with ongoing criminal investigations and one for road traffic offences.

Twelve multi-agency checkpoints were also conducted, resulting in one detection for driving under the influence of drugs, multiple searches under the Misuse of Drugs Act and one vehicle seizure under the Road Traffic Act.

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Those arrested were brought before a sitting of Newcastle West District Court.

Superintendent Michael Fleming, Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area, stated:

"Today’s operation was designed to support An Garda Síochána’s mission statement of ‘Keeping People Safe.' Recidivist criminals and persons wanted on warrant were targeted, arrested and brought before the criminal courts. A key element of today’s operation was enforcement of road safety and a significant number of drivers were engaged with. Christmas is a special time of year and I hope all road users will drive with care over the festive period, obey posted speed limits and never drive while intoxicated.”

The operation is ongoing.