The massive operation uncovered dozens of phones and a large quantity of drugs, including pills, cannabis and powder substancesVisitors were not permitted to come to the jail during the swoop
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Wheatfield Prison. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins
The prison in west Dublin is in lockdown after one of the most significant contraband searches in recent times in an Irish jail
Wheatfield Prison in west Dublin is in lockdown this evening after one of the most significant contraband searches to occur in recent times in an Irish jail.
An initial search of the 9F landing in the jail led to 24 mobile phones being discovered which in turn led to searches across the entire prison and a special security operation being put in place.
Visitors were not permitted to come to the jail and a further 13 illegal mobile phones were found in the search operation led by prison officers with the assistance of gardaí.
No arrests were made in this phase of the operation which also yielded a large quantity of drugs including pills, cannabis and powder substances.
An exact street value on the drugs has not yet been determined.
In addition five weapons- four ‘shivs’ and one flick knife were discovered and 25 chargers for illegal devices were also seized.
The prison in west Dublin is in lockdown after one of the most significant contraband searches in recent times in an Irish jail
The Irish Prison Service revealed details of the search operation this evening.
“Today, 24th October 2024 following an intelligence lead operation at Wheatfield Prison, 24 mobile phones were recovered. Additional resources nationally from the Operational Support Group were deployed to Wheatfield Prison to facilitate a lockdown and general search of the prison which resulted in an additional 13 mobile phones, five weapons and a substantial quantity of drugs being recovered,” a spokesman said.
“The Irish Prison Service continues to have high level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Síochána on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime involved in smuggling contraband into Irish prisons.
“An Garda Síochána continues to support the Irish Prison Service operationally with ongoing operations in each relevant garda division, including Operation Throwover in DMR West Garda Division supporting the Irish Prison Service at Cloverhill and Wheatfield Prisons.
“Operations such as Operation Throwover are intended to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons.
“The Irish Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband into prisons and continues to be a high priority for the Irish Prison Service.
“The Irish Prison Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out of prisons.
Wheatfield Prison. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins
“Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our canine unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons.
“There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational.
“Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence,” he added.
