Cartel and cronies face bigger blitz says minister
THE Kinahan drug cartel will be subject to further sanctions and anyone involved with the group will also face repercussions, Justice Minister Helen Mcentee has warned.
It comes after up to 600 people with suspected links to the Kinahan cartel have been banned from entering the US.
When asked if the US should share the list of names and encourage other States to place the same ban on people flying into their country, Ms Mcentee said that is a decision that would have to be taken by authorities.
However, she sent a warning to the Kinahan crime gang that more sanctions are on the way.
She told the Irish Mirror: “What I do expect is that this is just again the start and we’ll start to see more and more types of sanctions but also more and more repercussions for people who are involved and engaging with the Kinahan organised crime group.
“And I think it sends out a strong message that if you are in any way associated with or engaging with that organisation that there will be repercussions for you and potentially for your business as well.
“I think what this shows again is the huge cooperation that has and exists between the US authorities, our own and the authorities in the UK and the EU.
“I think the names on the list are in an operational manner... it’s a decision that would have to be taken by the authorities.”
US authorities have offered a $5million reward for information that would lead to convictions.
Assistant Garda Commissioner John O’driscoll has said the sanctions had been imposed banning travel to the US for those connected to the organised crime group, including a number involved with professional boxing.