30 people have been arrested as part of a major search operation by gardaí targeting the sale and supply of drugs in north inner city Dublin.

Gardaí say the sweep follows a six month operation codenamed "Operation Tempest", involving officers from the Bridewell, Mountjoy and Store Street garda stations.

A number of individuals have already been charged with drugs offences and are due to appear in court on Thursday.

The operation was prompted by feedback from residents who engaged with community gardaí tasked with implementing the small areas community policy initiative in the north inner city.

Gardaí say the operation reflects issues raised by residents and public representatives.

It is expected to result in almost 100 charges connected with drugs sale and supply offences, involving 45 individuals in the area.

The operation is continuing, with more than 100 members of the gardaí from the north inner city and the Garda National Support Services - including the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Emergency Response Unit, the Garda Air Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit.

The operation is being conducted in addition to several smaller operations in the area. At this point, 46 searches have been conducted and 30 persons arrested.

These arrests are in addition to 55 arrests under 'Operation Spire' - which also forms part of the overall community policing approach in the area.

The persons targeted in this operation are those who operate in local communities and have "a significant negative impact on the quality of life of local residents and businesses," the gardaí say.

Chief Superintendent Patrick Leahy gave this update to Newstalk Lunchtime.

Originally published 12:03