CRIME PROBE

Five members of one family targeted as 140 gardai search properties in early morning raids in north Dublin

Three men from Georgia were also arrested and they will be deported after entering the country illegallyDuring the raids, officers froze €241,000 worth of assets in various bank accounts and €40,000 worth of designer clothing, jewellery and shoes.

Investigators also seized €32,750 in cash and €15,000 worth of cannabis herb.

Three men from Georgia were also arrested and they will be deported after entering the country illegally.

It’s understood the men were working on building sites here.Properties in Balbriggan and Finglas were also searched as part of the crackdown.Although the focus of the investigation was on organised crime offences including drug dealing and money laundering.

Two of those targeted in the raids included a father and son.

One source said: “This is a major investigation targeting various forms of serious crime in the north Dublin area.Ongoing criminal probe

Gardai said in a statement: “Gardaí from the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North conducted a search operation this morning, Monday 27th May 2024.

“The operation was conducted as part of ongoing investigations into organised criminality in the Coolock area.

“This morning’s operation was conducted by 140 members of An Garda Síochána from various units including the Emergency Response Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, the Garda Dog Unit, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Public Order Unit as well as regional units based in the DMR North.”Locations in Coolock, Balbriggan and Finglas were searched as part of the operation which focussed on suspected money laundering, the sale and supply of drugs, possession of weapons, immigration offences, and suspected theft.

ITEMS SEIZED

THE following items were seized:

• €32,750 cash
• €15,000 worth of suspected cannabis herb
• €40,000 worth of designer clothing, jewellery and shoes
• €241,000 worth of assets were frozen in various bank accounts
• Financial documentation

“Three persons were arrested for immigration offences by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. All three people remain detained at this time and will be deported from the State in due course.