The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), assisted by other law enforcement groups, conducted a search in Co. Meath this morning, November 13, targeting an organised crime gang.
The gang is made up of members of the same family, and are known to be involved in drugs, theft and fraud.
Among the items seized by the CAB were a number of vehicles, machinery pieces and tools (including a topper), as well as drugs worth over €2,000.
Seven searches were carried out in total: five residential premises in Co. Meath – four in the Ashbourne Garda District and one in the Navan Garda District – while in Dublin, two professional premises were hit.
The searches were carried out under CAB warrants; one man was arrested as a result of the operation, under a warrant from the District Court.
An investigation will now begin into the theft of electricity from the national grid; ESB was needed at one of the scenes to make safe an unauthorised electricity connection.
The following was seized:
- Three stolen vehicles – Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hillux, Toyota Avensis;
- Four vehicles for having marked gas oil (Green Diesel);
- One vehicle as evidence in connection with the theft of another SUV in Cork;
- Drugs (Ecstasy) to the value of €2,500;
- Assorted plants, machinery and tools (including a topper/mulcher);
- €1,500 in cash;
- An air rifle;
- Jewellery, documents, mobile phones and electronic devices.
The CAB revenue officers are investigating the tax situation in relation to the targets, while the bureau’s social welfare division are investigating social welfare issues that arise.
Around 80 officers were involved in the operation, coming from several law enforcement groups, including: the CAB; Meath Garda Division; the Eastern Region Response Unit; the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit; the Garda Mounted Unit; the Garda Dog Unit; and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Gardai have said: “This morning’s search operation is a significant development in the CAB investigation.”