Kinahan drugs & guns seized
Kinahan cartel suffers massive blow as raid by gardai uncovers guns and drugs
THE Kinahan cartel has been dealt a huge blow after gardai swooped on a secret base in a quiet cul-de-sac. Heavily-armed officers raided a lock-up in West Dublin to find guns and drugs belonging to the gang. Heroin and cannabis with an estimated street value of €4million was discovered at the premises at Ballyfermot Parade on Monday. Three men, whom gardai believe are senior Kinahan associates, were arrested. A source said: “This is another big blow for the Kinahans. “Intelligence-led operations are having a major effect on the cartel. “This is just the latest in a long line of setbacks for them. This base was being used for several purposes – the storage of deadly weapons, the counting of cash from drug-dealing and a base for distribution of the drugs themselves. “It is a very significant find. The Kinahans will not be happy at all.” Officers found a sawn-off shotgun, semi-automatic pistol, ammunition and stun guns. Drugs paraphernalia, cash counting and vacuum packing machines were also discovered in the secret hideout. A total of 180kg of cannabis and 3kg of heroin was seized. The operation was conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau supported by the Special Crime Task Force. Three men, aged 39, 44 and 46, were arrested during a follow-up search in Dublin’s south inner city. Two of the men are from the area while the other is from Crumlin on the southside. The men remained in custody at Clondalkin and Ballyfermot Garda stations last night detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The source added: “Gardai suspect they are trusted associates of the Kinahan cartel.” It is understood the three were caught at the scene. This is the latest in a series of successes gardai have had in their battle with organised crime – and in particular against the Kinahans. Several suspected gang members have been arrested and
It is a very significant find. The Kinahans will not be happy at all CRIMINAL SOURCE YESTERDAY
are before the courts on a range of serious charges. Gardai have seized an arsenal of Kinahan weapons and millions of euros worth of drugs this year. The bloody Hutch-kinahan feud has so far left 12 men dead. The latest victim was Michael Keogh who was gunned down in an underground car park off Dorset Street in Dublin’s northside on May 31. Gardai believe a Hutch hitman killed the 37-year-old. However, nearly all of the murders in the gang war have been carried out by the Kinahan side.