The Garda’s Operation Stratus, an initiative targeting systematic crime in Co Louth, has resulted in the apprehension of eight individuals. These individuals, which consist of seven females and one male, are currently under charges of money laundering and were recently brought before a judge.
Charges have cited that these suspects were allegedly making use of the Revolut payment app to carry out their illicit activities.
Present at the Drogheda District Court on Monday was Micheala Fitzpatrick, a 32-year-old resident of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda. Fitzpatrick is facing nine charges in total, of which three pertain to money laundering, whereas the remaining ones relate to allegations of her involvement in organised crime, drug trafficking, ownership, and distribution.
The money laundering infractions she’s alleged to have committed span from October 23rd, 2023, to January 19th, 2024. The prosecution states that she facilitated these transactions through accounts maintained with PTSB, AIB, and Revolut.
Additional charges were made against Fitzpatrick for her supposed involvement in organised crime as well as drug importation with an intent to distribute, both on January 24th, 2021. The value of the imported drugs exceeds €13,000.
She also faces a charge under Section 21 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for drug importation on January 24th, 2024, and intent to distribute drugs exceeding €13,000 in value on the same date.
Moreover, Fitzpatrick also faces three other accusations, purportedly committed on January 24th, 2021. These are: intent to supply in violation of Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, unlawful possession contravening Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and the possession of a phone, breaking Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
Judge Stephanie Coggans has ordered Ms Fitzpatrick to be held on remand, declining to grant her bail due to the severity of the allegations against her. Fitzpatrick is accused of involvement in or abetting organised crime, an offence that falls under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The upcoming date for her next appearance in Drogheda District Court is October 21st.
The court also held a hearing for the other seven suspects who face charges under the purview of ‘Operation Stratus’. Among them is 30-year-old Luke Lawless from Knockbrack Downs, Drogheda, who is accused of two instances of money laundering thought to have taken place between September 3rd, 2021, and March 31st, 2022, according to accounts maintained with Revolut and PTSB.
Additionally, 26-year-old Leah Smith of St Cronan’s, Swords has been indicted on a single count of money laundering that took place from July 7th, 2020, through to January 23rd, 2021. Her alleged associate, 28-year-old Annie Smith of The Alders Awoureen, Drogheda, is likewise being charged with one instance of money laundering that reportedly occurred between June 17th, 2020, and June 3rd, 2021.
Among the other suspects are 30-year-old Amy Rooney of Newtown Meadows, Drogheda; 37-year-old Niamh McManus from Maudlines, Duleek; Marlena Aleksandrowicz of Bridgefield, Northwood, Santry, north Dublin; and 26-year-old Jade Heeney from Hill of Rath, Drogheda. All have been charged with a single count of money laundering, spanning various months and years.
Until their next court appearance on November 25th, all seven have been released on bail.
‘Operation Stratus is an initiative by the Garda aiming to combat gang warfare in Drogheda.
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