Miniature phones destined for prisons seized by gardai

Miniature phones which were ready to be transported by drone to prisons in Ireland have been seized by gardai.

Officers investigating the smuggling of controlled drugs and contraband into Wheatfield, Cloverhill and Mountjoy prisons have carried out searches.

Properties in Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Coolock and Tallaght were searched as well as a number of cells in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.

A spokesperson said: “The searches were conducted by gardai attached to DMR South Serious Crime Unit with assistance from the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Irish Prison Service.

“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.

“Controlled drugs including 17,000 euro cannabis, 5,000 euro cocaine, 3,000 euro tablets were also seized.

“In addition, 22,000 euro in cash, a drone, a Rolex watch, mobile phones, financial documents, improvised weapons and drug paraphernalia including weighing scales and bagging equipment were also seized.”

Gardai have said investigations are ongoing.