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CRIME BUST

Gardai launch major crackdown against feuding crime gangs in Tallaght as exclusive raid snaps revea

• Published: 8:00, 7 Aug 2023
• Updated: 10:44, 7 Aug 2023

THIS is the moment armed Gardai launch a crackdown against feuding crime gangs in Tallaght, Dublin.

Our exclusive images show officers from the Armed Support Unit swooping on homes early on Friday morning.

In one snap, an armed officer can be seen entering a house with his weapon drawn.

In another image, other officers are seen entering the property as a woman stands outside.

We also show an ASU officer holding a battering ram after entering a second property.

Other images show officers returning to their vehicles after a property was secured.

Although no arrests were made, the aim of the search operation was to gather evidence against two gangs involved in an ongoing feud in the area.

Those targeted include suspects who are believed to have access to firearms.

One local resident told us: “There was a lot of commotion in the area and people were looking out their windows to see armed Gardai.

“Everyone knows there’s some kind of feud but people just want to get on with their lives.”

Cops confirmed the raids in the area. A spokesperson said: “Gardai conducted searches under warrant in the Fortunestown Lane area of Tallaght.”

The targets of Friday’s operation were two gangs involved in an ongoing feud.

In the most recent incident, a member of a suspected hit team was knocked off a motorbike.

Gardai believe he was on his way to kill a rival when he was rammed by one of his enemies.

It’s understood the teenager involved in the crash last month lost a number of toes.

‘They are firing shots’

GUNMAN ATTACK

And in another incident in May, a gunman drove up to a house on his bike before opening fire at the home of an innocent family.

Incredible CCTV footage shows the hood blasting away just yards from kids.

One of those involved in the feud is believed to be a chief suspect in the murder of innocent teenager Reece Cullen, who was stabbed to death in 2017 in an unconnected incident.

Four shots were also fired at the chief suspect in May of this year but he was not injured in the incident.

Other incidents of violence have included shots being fired at properties and a number of car chases.

Another house has also been firebombed in the feud, which started last year.

SUSPECT LOCATION

One of the suspects has left Tallaght and is believed to be living in another part of south Dublin.

Another of the gang members is a man, originally from the south inner city, who has been linked to organised crime for 15 years.

Gardai have urged anyone with information on the growing incidents of violence to come forward.

There are also fears that members of other crime gangs could become involved in the conflict.

Since the upsurge in violence, Gardai have also increased patrols in the area in a bid to disrupt the gangs from targeting each other.

One investigator told us: “These gangs aren’t at the level of the Kinahan group but they have access to firearms.

‘NOTHING BUT THUGS’

“They have been firing shots at homes in a reckless manner.

“They are nothing but thugs and the feud is also about egos and younger criminals who want to make a name for themselves.

“Gardai will continue to disrupt their activities and to protect lives in Tallaght.”

Local Sinn Fein councillor Dermot Richardson praised the Gardai’s efforts to target drug gangs.

Mr Richardson said: “I welcome any effort by the Gardai to target those suspected of involvement in organised crime and drug dealing.

“I don’t know what this feud in Tallaght is about but we are all aware of the incidents that have taken place.

OPERATION WELCOMED

“We don’t want to see it escalate because there’s always a danger that innocent people could be caught up in it.

“These gangs are preying on vulnerable families and there is a need for the Gardai to target the gangs.”

Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan also welcomed the Garda operation, adding: “I support any initiative by the Gardai that targets those suspected of involvement in organised crime and feud related incidents.

“We need to see more Gardai on our streets to tackle those criminals who are not afraid to use violence.

“The last thing people need at the moment is more violence on our streets.”

FUED FRENZY

Although there have been no killings in the Kinahan and Hutch feud since January 2018, Gardai are still dealing with several feuds, including one in Finglas.

Also in the sights of the ASU are the Kinahan cartel, criminals in Limerick, dissident republican groups and roaming burglary gangs.

Other duties include responding to serious domestic incidents, stabbings, shootings and hostage situations.

The teams are part of the Gardai’s Special Tactics Operation Command and their role is to provide armed cover to all sections of the Gardai.

They also work closely with the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau to disrupt the activities of Ireland’s crime gangs and their main priority is the “preservation of life”.