Arrests made and animals seized following major garda operation opposite Apple site in Cork City
Members of the Garda Armed Support Unit carry out a search at St Anthony's Park, Hollyhill, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
Multiple arrests have been made during a major garda operation at a housing complex opposite tech giant Apple’s European headquarters in Cork City.
Men, women and at least one teenager were among 10 arrested and brought to Cork city garda stations in garda vans on Monday.
More than 70 gardaí swarmed St Anthony’s Park in Hollyhill and the surrounding area, where skewbald ponies grazed easily despite the nearby commotion.
The operation was linked to investigations into drug dealing and theft in Cork.
Suspected drugs were found during the search which will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.
Approximately €4,000 in cocaine, more than €7,200 in Alzaprolam tablets, and a small quantity of cannabis herb were seized.
An imitation firearm was also seized along with €4,500 in cash.
Multiple Rolex watches, a range of power tools, and a new caravan were also seized.
A total of 10 people, both male and female, were arrested for a number of offences including public order, theft and fraud. All 10 are now before the courts.
Investigation are ongoing, a garda statement said.
No arrests had been made in connection with the drug seizures at the time of publication, it is understood.
Armed support gardaí were on site along with many animal welfare workers.
One dark bay horse reared as it was loaded into a horse box to be removed as people shouted loudly from nearby houses.
A tiny pony, less than one metre tall, was lead out of the site minutes later.
All equines in the area, which has had a halting site for many years, were being removed on welfare grounds.
Dozens of gardaí searched St Anthony’s Park in Hollyhill for anything of evidential value.
The search began at around 10am on Monday morning and was to continue until the site and surrounding areas were fully searched.
More than 70 gardaí from Cork City and County conducted Monday's large-scale interdivisional operation targeting those suspected of drug dealing and theft offences in the region.
Members attached to the Cork City and Cork County Detective Units, Drugs Units, Community Policing Units and Protective Services Units were joined by the Garda Armed Support, the Garda Dog Unit and Stolen Vehicle Unit for the planned activity.
The major multiagency operation had been organised for some weeks.
A number of dogs were also seized by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and Cork City Council.
Tensions had been mounting locally with some employees at Apple reporting intimidation and other concerning behaviours to gardaí.
Some people at St Anthony’s Park alleged that gardaí were heavy handed during today's operation.
Gardaí deployed pepper spray, it is understood.
But tensions were high in the area during the arrests and animal confiscations, with gardaí facing opposition from local residents.
Local TD Colm Burke claimed that gardaí would only have taken Monday’s action with significant evidence to warrant the operation.
"I welcome the decision by the gardaí to take action. They wouldn't have taken action unless they had adequate evidence to back up the decision they took," Mr Burke said.
"And I very much welcome the work that they're doing in order to make sure that people who are going to work are not in any way interfered with or intimidated."
