An infiltration of an encrypted communications tool used for criminal activity around the world resulted in the seizure of €16 million worth of illicit drugs and 11 arrests in Ireland.
Authorities said the platform, known as Ghost, was used to facilitate criminal activity including drug trafficking, money laundering and incidents of extreme violence.
Europol worked with law enforcement agencies from nine countries to dismantle the tool, which has been described as a “lifeline” for serious organised crime.
An Garda Siochana said it was investigating four organised crime groups in Ireland that were involved in drug trafficking and money laundering “on a significant scale.”
The platform infiltration led to a series of searches on Monday night at 27 premises across Dublin and counties in the east of Ireland involving 300 Gardaí. Representatives from Europol, the Australian Federal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation travelled to Ireland to take part in the operation.
As a result of the operation and previous police actions related to Ghost, the Gardai seized €15 million worth of cocaine, €230,000 (£194,000) of cannabis and €100,000 (£84,000) of heroin, as well as €350,000 (£295,000) in cash.
Among other items, 27 laptops, 42 Ghost ECC encrypted devices and 126 other mobile devices were seized. Eleven arrests were also made.
