Launch of Coastal Watch Limerick to tackle illegal drug importation and promote vigilance

‘Coastal Watch Limerick’, a multi-agency initiative involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Naval Service and Revenue’s Customs Service was launched on Saturday, 28th September, 2024. Superintendent Mike Fleming and Chief Superintendent Derek Smart meet Eleanor from Customs with her sniffer dog Rua

‘Coastal Watch Limerick’ launched on Saturday, September 28 aiming to aid in the prevention and detection of illegal drug importation

This collaborative effort is aimed at the prevention and detection of illegal drug importation, promoting vigilance from coastal communities and a wide range of organisations and agencies that operate at sea and along Limerick’s 60km of coastline.

Among the aims of Coastal Watch is raising community awareness about risk indicators, as previous cases have shown that information received from the public was critical to stopping drugs reaching vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the launch at Foynes Yacht Club, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart said, “The scourge of illegal drugs permeates every facet of society and Ireland has witnessed a number of significant sea-based drug seizures in recent times.

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“Coastal Watch Limerick is being launched to remind all who use our waterways –including statutory and voluntary organisations, farming groups, coastal communities, and those involved in the commercial fishing industry – of their important role in this space. By acting together, we can work to ‘Keep Drugs at Bay’ and our communities safe and well.

“All of us have a role to play in securing our coastal waters and keeping our communities safe. Local communities are of paramount importance, as you are the people best placed to monitor our coastline, to know what looks out of place and to report any suspicious activity to those of us tasked with enforcement and detection.”

Speaking about the large area Limerick covers, the Chief Superintendent noted the coastline is approximately 60km long running down to County Kerry, boarded by the River Shannon and its estuary “which is deep and supports significant shipping channels.”

Noting the estuary contains a number of docks, piers, and a substantial jetty, Chief Superintendent Smart said, “Unfortunately, this deep water channel is also likely to be seen by criminal entities as an opportunity and we must work together to combat this.

“Coastal Watch Ireland is dedicated to safeguarding Ireland’s coastal and marine environments. It plays a key role in combating the importation of illegal drugs. A key stanchion to the programme is the engagement of local communities in coastal monitoring, to exercise vigilance and report suspicious activities along Ireland’s extensive shoreline. Coastal Watch assists in the detection of offences and in doing so our helps to keep our communities safe.

“The collaboration of all law enforcement agencies strengthens our ability to intercept drug smuggling operations. Through vigilance and community involvement, Coastal Watch ensures we can continually monitor our coastline and in doing so prevent or at least limit the ability of criminal to use our waterways to support their criminal activities.

“Coastal Watch represents the collaborative effort of statutory agencies, local communities and external stakeholders and agencies. It is only by working together that we can hope to deny criminals the use of our coastline to support their criminal enterprises. Today, is an important opportunity for each of us to engage, make introductions and foster relationships to ensure Coastal Watch Limerick delivers for our communities,” Chief Superintendent Smart said at the launch.

The event, opened by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, was attended by agencies and groups such National Parks & Wildlife (NPWS); Irish Coastguard; Inland Fisheries; Limerick Marine Search & Rescue; Civil Defence Limerick; the Garda Water Unit; RUSAL (Aughinish) and Limerick-based ministers, TDs, councillors and local community groups. Lieutenant Commander Stephen Stack, Commanding Officer on the LÉ James Joyce, was also in attendance.

Speakers who gave presentations at the event were Inspector Gearóid Thompson, Coastal Watch Liaison Officer for An Garda Síochána in Limerick; Andrew Ryan, Assistant Principal Officer with Revenue (Customs) and Dr Aine Lynch from NPWS who noted that wildlife smuggling may be going through the shoreline alongside drug smuggling.

Some of the risk indicators that members of the public are requested to be aware of include suspicious activity in relation to persons or vehicles; ships and yachts sighted in remote areas; crew making landings in remote areas; and unusual objects at sea or ashore.

Other indicators include ships away from their normal shipping lanes; vessels operating at night without lights; and packages floating in the sea, lying on the beach or hidden close to the shore.

Members of the public are requested to report any unusual activity to Customs Drugs Watch Confidential Freephone number 1800 295 295; Newcastle West Gardaí 069 20650 or Henry Street Gardaí 061 212400; Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111; Emergency Number 112/999; or Naval Operations Centre 021 4864707