Meath address searched in child pornography investigation

 Gardai have carried out searches at an address in Meath and at addresses in neighbouring Cavan and Louth in connection with ongoing investigations into the possession and distribution of child pornography.
A total of 23 addresses were searched nationwide as part of Operation Ketch 5.
Leading the operation were members of the Online Child Exploitation Unit (OnCE) at the Garda National Protection Services Bureau.
“Operation Ketch 5 is the latest phase of an ongoing search and recovery operation targeting suspects involved in the possession and distribution of Child Exploitation Material (Child Pornography) either through Social Network sites or via File Sharing Networks,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said in a statement issued following the searches.
The searches were carried between over the weekend and into this week, Friday-Monday, February 1-4, and involved searches under warrant issued pursuant to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 in a number of Garda Division throughout the country. 
“Warrants to search have been executed at 23 addresses nationwide pursuant to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. The searches were conducted by the Online Child Exploitation Unit and the newly established Divisional Protection Service Units and local Detective Units,” the spokesperson added.
It was only revealed that the searches had taken place  today, which is dubbed as international 'Safe Internet Day'.
As well as a single search in Meath, there was one search in each of Louth and Cavan as well as two in Monaghan and six in Dublin.
Digital material was seized for forensic examination at all addresses searched, and gardaí say liaison will be maintained with Tusla, the Child & Family Agency, regarding any child protection concerns arising from the investigations.
“An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the community, through operations and awareness campaigns such as these and other ongoing work by the Online Child Exploitation Unit, that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in the sexual exploitation of children, including those who possess, import and distribute child abuse material.”
During February of last year, a total of 38 addresses were searched as part of Operation Ketch 1. Two suspects identified in that operation were juveniles, who have since been referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme. 
In July 2018 a further 38 addresses were searched as a result of Operation Ketch 2, during which child sex dolls were seized in a search at one address.
Operation Ketch 3 took place from the September 27-30, culminating in 34 searches. During the course of these searches a business selling child sex dolls online was searched, and an arrest made. A file is currently being prepared for the DPP.
Operation Ketch 4 meanwhile took place in December 2018, with a total of 27 addresses searched. During the course of these searches cocaine and cannabis valued at €7000 was recovered at one address.
In total, 137 addresses were searched during the course of 2018 under Operation Ketch.
The timing of the latest Ketch operation significant as it coincides with Safer Internet Day 2019, where An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with Webwise, promoted the ‘Be in Ctrl’ Schools Programme.
The programme aims to inform students of the risk of online exploitation, raise awareness regarding safe online behaviour and empower young people to seek help and report incidents to the Gardaí.