More than 20 people have appeared in court accused of selling drugs to undercover gardaí in north inner city Dublin.

They were arrested as part of a six month operation which targeted drug dealers in the area.

The men and women who appeared in court today are accused of selling drugs to undercover gardaí operating in the north inner city.

The covert operation was rolled out after residents raised concerns about the level of open street dealing in their areas.

Following six months of painstaking police work, a blitz of raids and arrests were carried out earlier this week.

More than 100 gardaí were involved in the investigation, which was driven by community policing.

Gardaí say there are likely to be more arrests as part of the operation, with at least 15 other suspects already on their radar.

Operation Tempest was prompted by feedback from residents who engaged with community gardaí tasked with implementing the small areas community policy initiative.

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

More than 20 of those people have appeared in court today. One of the accused did not show up and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

The others were remanded on continuing bail to appear in court again on October.

Originally published 06:27