MEMBERS of the Defence Forces are this morning assisting An Garda Siochana in a “very significant” series of search operations targeting the assets of a criminal network based in Limerick.
The searches are a follow up to “Operation Coronation”, which resulted in gardai seizing around €700,000, drugs, weapons, and the deeds to a Dubai property, in June last year.
Two firearms, including a handgun and a bolt-action rifle, as well as an extendable taser baton concealed in a plastic wrapping, were seized during last year’s search operation targeting the Keane/Collopy gang.
This morning a series of searches got underway, including in an area of wasteland adjacent to Delmege Park, Moyross, Limerick.
An armed army unit patrolled the area for a number of hours, and left the scene shortly before midday.
A number of other areas are being searched as part of the ongoing garda investigation.
A garda source said the searches were a flow up to last year’s Operation Coronation targeting a “crime group in Limerick”.
“There are significant numbers of personnel involved in the searches,” they added.
Last year’s search operation targeted 67 homes, premises, and locations across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, leading to the arrest of 20 people.
A number of those arrested last year were brought before Limerick District Court and charged with drugs offences.
Gardai recovered €260,000 in cash, as well as €200,000 which was held in 11 bank accounts, three cars worth around €100,000, jewellery and watches with an estimated value of €100,000, drugs with a street value of €23,500, two cocaine pressing machines, and €6,000 worth of clothing.
The Keane gang, which has tentacles across the country and abroad, has been involved in the sale and supply of drugs and weapons for the past two decades.
