Tackling the scourge of Scrambler Bikes and Organised Crime

Last month, Gardai secured 40 search warrants as part of a targeted operation focusing on individuals using scrambler and quad bikes and their involvement in organised crime. That operation resulted in the Gardai seizing and arresting:

• Individuals for outstanding bench warrants
• 10x e-motorbikes, ranging in value from €4000 to €10,000
• 12x Motos bikes and scrambler bikes
• 12x E-bikes / E-scooters
• 3x Quad Bikes
• 1x Jet-ski and trailer, worth approximately €10,000
• €42,950 in cash from several houses
• €8,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis
• Designer watches
• €25,000 worth of designer goods

A further initiative, launched from April 16^th saw a total of another 44 searches undertaken by the Gardai that resulted in 26 vehicles being seized under Section 109A of the Road Traffic Act amended by the Road Traffic & Roads Act, 2023. As a result of this Garda activity, the following vehicles were seized, including:

• 3x high-powered motorbikes
• 9x scrambler motorbikes
• 3x quad bikes
• 1x moped
• 8x e-scooters
• 2x e-bikes
• 5x cars

Along with the seizure of these vehicles, the following weapons, cash and illegal drugs were seized, including:

• €5,000 worth of cannabis
• €100 worth of cocaine
• €1,585 in cash
• Axe
• Baseball bat
• Meat cleaver
• Two flick knives
• Stanley knife
• Bolt action rifle

Seven arrests took place, with two relating to the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Three arrests were in respect of individuals failure to appear in court on separate matters where a court order has issued for their arrest. Another arrest took place in respect of possession of an article pursuant to the Theft and Fraud Offences Act with one further arrest under Section 107 of the Road Traffic Act.

Between March 1^st and April 30^th, a total of 175 bikes, scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, scramblers and quad bikes have been seized by the Gardai. This represents more than double the equivalent number of these vehicles seized for the same period last year.

This Garda activity underscores the importance of tackling the combined issue of road safety and the use of the vehicles within organised crime. The fact that so many of these vehicles have been seized and taken off our roads is welcome and a source of reassurance to the communities of the North Inner City.