CRIME GANGS WHO RULE OVER IRELAND
and concealment techniques and have the capability and resources to adapt their methodologies quickly,” Revenue told us.
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“Revenue continually monitors trends and developments in this regard and adopts a very flexible and agile response in terms of resource deployment and risk prioritisation.”
Currently, Revenue deploys what it says is a “risk based approach” in its detection and intervention strategy and collaborates with various national and international law enforcement partners in doing so.
“Revenue enforcement teams operate at all main ports, airports and mail centres, as well as freight forwarding premises, and use a variety of resources such as Detector Dog teams, x-ray scanners and physical examinations in their work,” it said in a statement to us.
“This work is supplemented by our Customs Drug Watch Programme aimed at encouraging members of the public, along with coastal and local maritime communities to notify Revenue of suspect or unusual activity at sea or around the coastline by way of a confidential 24/7 free phone facility.
“We also deploy two Cutters to patrol the coastline, undertake vessel controls and support maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering duties in relation to drugs.”
Revenue also says that because of the global nature of the drugs trade, working with international authorities
MV Matthew
THEY ARE in every county in Ireland.
In late 2012, an Oireachtas committee heard that at least 25 organised crime groups – or gangs – were operating in the State.
Today, The Star unmasks some of the most dangerous gangs in the country.
THE KINAHAN CARTEL Christopher Kinahan (66) and his sons Daniel (46) and Christopher Junior (43) are still the most influential gang in Ireland, even if they are based in Dubai. The cartel is involved in most cocaine shipments into the country and is estimated to be worth at least €1.5 billion. It has assets all over the world, from Ireland to Brazil, from Dubai to China.
THE FAMILY
Sources say the Family, which is led by two brothers from west Dublin, has cornered a massive share of the domestic market.
THE FINGLAS CREW This gang is active in the north and west of the capital. Led by two close associates, it is heavily involved in cocaine and cannabis dealing.
THE BLANCHARDSTOWN CRIMINAL
This thug, who survived at least one assassination attempt in recent years, is one of the biggest criminals in Dublin – but has a low profile.
THE TALIBAN, NORTH DUBLIN This gang is based in Coolock and is involved in all aspects of serious crime.
MR BIG
This criminal, also from Coolock, heads up a gang that has stolen millions of euro in the last decade in tiger kidnappings.
THE DUNDON MOB
The gang is one of the biggest in the State and has more than 50 members. It is involved in murders, drug importation, robberies, extortion and a bloody feud with the Keane Collopys.