'Miniature phones' destined for Irish prisons seized in garda raids targeting smuggling

A variety of suspected contraband has been seized by gardai as part of ongoing investigations into the smuggling of controlled drugs and contraband into Wheatfield, Cloverhill and Mountjoy Prisons in Dublin.

Gardaí say they carried out searches of properties in the Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Coolock and Tallaght areas on Tuesday along with a number of cells in Mountjoy Prison. 

"During the searches of these properties, a number of miniature phones wrapped in insulation tape ready to be sent by drone to the prisons were seized," said a garda spokesperson. 

Controlled drugs including €17,000 of cannabis, €5,000 of cocaine and tablets worth €3,000 were also seized along with €22,000 in cash, a drone, a Rolex watch, mobile phones, financial documents, improvised weapons and drug paraphernalia including weighing scales and bagging equipment. 

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Gardai say investigations following Tuesday's search operation are ongoing.

The searches were conducted by gardaí attached to DMR South Serious Crime Unit with assistance from the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Irish Prison Service.