Operation Thor 'Project Banner': Drugs seized following Shannon searches

GARDAÍ have seized more than €32,000 worth of drugs and arrested 13 people as part of an Operation Thor policing initiative in Clare. 

The initiative – Operation Thor: Project Banner – aimed at targeting criminal activity in the Clare region, particularly Shannon and Ennis, over the past two days, culminating in the operation this Tuesday afternoon. 

During five planned searches carried out at locations in Ennis and Shannon under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, gardaí seized cocaine, herbal cannabis and cannabis resin, with an estimated street value in excess of €32,000, with analysis pending. 

The operation was conducted by gardaí within the Clare division, assisted by 24 trainee gardaí from Templemore Garda College. 

Images of drugs seized, checkpoints & Gardaí involved in 'Project Banner' a two day initiative targeting criminal activity in Co. Clare pic.twitter.com/BS4DObi1KJ

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) June 20, 2017

A man, in his 30s, was arrested when cocaine and cannabis was seized during a house search in Ennis. After being detained for questioning at Ennis garda station, he was later released without charge. A file will be prepared for the director of public prosecutions (DPP). 

Six people were arrested under warrant made in respect of outstanding penal and bench warrants.  A further six arrests were made under the Public Order Act following an incident in Ennis.

“Cordon checkpoints were carried out by Gardaí and Revenue Customs Service in the East Clare area aimed at intercepting and disrupting travelling criminal groups. Crime Prevention information was distributed to motorists,” a garda spokesperson stated this Tuesday. 

“Information stands were set up at locations in Ennis and Killaloe where advice leaflets were distributed to the public along with useful crime prevention information.”