Over the last number of months a specific operation targeting this activity has been ongoing led by local Detective Units in conjunction with locally based Divisional Asset Profilers and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The amount of cash seized in yesterday’s Operation Platinum searches is now valued at €250,000. €230,000 of that total amount is Euro, the remainder is in sterling.
Gardaí will be making 12 applications to Limerick District Court this afternoon, to retain the cash seized in yesterday’s operation.
The applications will be made under the Criminal Justice Act and the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act.
Garda Press Office
9th May 2008
The three men arrested in relation to the above operation have now been released from custody and files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Garda Press Office
8th May 2008
An Garda Siochana continue to undertake a range of investigations and operations to curb organised criminal activity in the general Limerick area.
Over the last number of months a specific operation targeting this activity has been ongoing led by local Detective Units in conjunction with locally based Divisional Asset Profilers and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Today, some 150 premises were searched within the latest phase of this investigation. Properties, primarily in the Limerick area, but also in the surrounding counties and in Dublin, were searched in an operation which commenced at 6a.m. this morning and involved some 250+ Gardai.
The operation was led by Chief Superintendent, Limerick Division and Detective Chief Superintendent, Criminal Assets Bureau and involved officers from a range of Garda units including – uniform & detective units from the divisions of Limerick, Cork & Kerry; officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau; the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation; Garda National Drugs Units. Additional specialist support was provided by the Emergency Response Unit; the Organised Crime Unit; the Computer Crime Investigation Unit, Garda Technical Bureau, Garda Dog Unit and Garda Air Support Unit.
The breakdown of premises searched include (approx) 120 private residences, 15 professional offices, 7 business premises and a number of other properties.
During the course of these searches a substantial quantity of documentation was seized which is currently being examined, along with a range of computer equipment.
Also seized were two vehicles (a car and a motorcycle); cash (euro and sterling) to a value in excess of €100,000; various drug seizures (one significant) primarily cocaine and ecstasy with a potential street value of in excess of €200,000; two firearms and a quantity of ammunition.
Three men, aged in their late 20’s were arrested during the course of the operation and are currently detained at Garda Stations in Limerick City.
Please be advised that this operation is very much live and ongoing and you will be advised of further developments as appropriate.
Garda Press Office
12.15 Hrs 8th May, 2008.
