GARDAÍ have seized a number of 'child sex dolls' following raids as part of an investigation into the possession and distribution of child abuse images.
Phones, computers and tablets were also seized during the raids on 31 homes in the latest phase of Operation Ketch.
The raids took place in 15 counties across the country over the past three days and involved garda from 18 divisions of the force.
It is the second phase of the operation after 38 homes were searched in February.
'Concern'
Commenting on the latest developments, Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll said the discovery of the child sex dolls was an ‘added concern’.
“It is an issue that we have discussed in recent times with Customs officials,” he said.
“We are aware that they have been imported to the state and a number of them have been seized at points of entry to the state.
“But this is the first time we have come across one in a search of this nature.
“It’s an added concern in area that gives rise to considerable concern to say the least.”
Juvenile suspects
Following February’s raids, two suspects identified were juveniles who have since been referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme.
A third suspect has recently been charged, while a total of seven suspects have made admissions regarding their online activities.
The remaining cases are subject to ongoing investigation.
In one of those cases, terabytes of material were seized that equated to 1,000 hours of child abuse video imagery.
As well as targeting people suspected of possessing, importing and/or distributing child pornography, Operation Ketch will also identify child protection concerns at each address visited.
See More: Operation Ketch
