Issue Date: 22/04/2021
Gardaí attached to the Divisional Crime Task Force, DMR North, seized 2,150 catalytic converters and 14 drums of smelted catalytic converters, with a combined value of €2.2 million, during a search operation in Dublin 11 this morning, Thursday, 22nd April 2021.
At approximately 9.45am this morning, Gardaí attached to the Divisional Crime Task Force, DMR North, searched a business premises in Dublin 11 under warrant. They were assisted by personnel from Fingal County Council, a Customs and Revenue Officer and dog handler, and the National Trans Frontier Shipments Office (NTFSO).
During the course of the search operation, Gardaí seized 2,150 catalytic converters with an estimated value of €1.2 million. Gardaí also seized 14 drums of smelted catalytic converters; each drum contained approximately 300 catalytic converters in powder form. The value of the smelted catalytic converters is estimated at €1 million.
Cash to the value of €74,240 was also seized during the course of the search. All items seized are subject to a technical examination.
The search was conducted as part of the ongoing investigation into the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region and subsequent regions.
During the course of this operation, a man aged in his 20s, was arrested for offences contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. He was taken to Ballymun Garda Station where he was later charged. He is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on 13th May 2021. One vehicle was seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
Investigations are ongoing.
