Five men in court charged in separate investigations into drug-related intimidation across Dublin

One of the men, Wayne Cooney, 32, appeared before a Dublin District Court hearing this morning.

The defendant, with an address at Glenshane Drive, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was charged in connection with an alleged racketeering incident.

He is accused of making an unjustified demand for payment with threats from a named person in relation to a relative’s drug debt.

This incident is said to have occurred on April 21, 2019 at an address on Brookwood Avenue, Artane.

The charge violates Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment if convicted by charge.

Cooney was remanded in custody after being brought before the criminal courts and will appear in court again next week.

Four other men, aged between 20 and 30, appeared before a session of the Swords District Court.

They face a total of 18 charges, including money extortion with threats related to drug debts at various locations in North Dublin. Other charges include aggravated burglary with a pitchfork and manufacture of a knife.

Gardaí says Operation Fógra was created as part of the Garda National Strategy as part of Operation Tara to combat drug-related intimidation.

“The goals of Operation Fógra are to support communities, raise awareness on frontline DRI (drug-related intimidation) and improve cooperation,” said a garda spokesman.