WATCH: Concerns over 'drugs supermarket' in Limerick estate raised in the Dail

THE Dail has been told more needs to be done to shut down a 'drugs supermarket' which continues to operate in a Limerick city estate 24 hours a day.

Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan says the success of Operation Copóg, which was launched in St Mary's Park nearly 12 months ago, will depend on whether or not the activities at the property can be stopped. 

"Twelve months on we are not seeing the results we hoped for," he said after raising the matter this Wednesday.

"Crack cocaine is prevalent in Limerick and the wider Mid West. Success in this matter (Operation Copóg) can now only be measured on whether the forces of the State can permanently close this crack-dealing hub and take those who profit from sales off our streets," he said.

Highlighting the continuing sale and supply of drugs from one particular property, he added. "The drugs supermarket isn't like some Amsterdam coffee house - the main business isn't hash. It's main business is the sale of one of the most addictive and destructive drugs possible - crack cocaine."

Operation Copóg, a joint initiative involving Limerick City and County Council, gardai and other State agencies, was launched on March 8, 2021 - in response to concerns over drug-dealing, criminality and antisocial behaviour.

Limerick gardai issue update on Operation Copóg

Responding to Deputy Quinlivan in the Dail, Minister-of-State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, insisted it has had an impact. He said numerous searches and arrests have been carried out and that there are continuing 'high visibility' patrols in the estate.

Deputy Browne added that he has been informed that one man is currently before the courts arising from a search operation in St Mary's Park just before Christmas.

Suspected cocaine, worth around €700, and items used for the preparation of crack cocaine were seized during the search operation.

BREAKING: Man due in court following drugs seizure in Limerick estate

Deputy Browne added that Operation Copóg was initially due to continue for just three months but has been extended on a number of occasions for operational reasons.