In a major clampdown on local narcotics networks, law enforcement officers in Limerick city made seven arrests on Friday. This action followed extensive search operations in the St Mary’s Park and King’s Island districts of the city, where several search warrants were executed by the police.
Numerous objects were confiscated including a potential pipe bomb, drugs, cash, and timepieces. The Garda, the armed support unit (ASU), and the K-9 unit, involving approximately eighty personnel attached to local stations, were involved in the operation.
Following the potential pipe bomb discovery at one of the residences searched, a bomb disposal team from the Defence Forces was summoned. The area was subsequently declared safe. A male suspect was apprehended regarding the pipe bomb and was held at a Garda station in Co Limerick on Friday evening under the provisions of the Offences against the State Act,1939.
More seizures of drugs, cash and watches occurred during the operation. Another six arrests were made in the fallout of the searches – namely one woman and five men who are alleged to be involved in theft, robbery and driving under the influence of drugs.
One of the arrested males have since been brought to court, another still remains in the custody of the Garda. The woman and the remaining three men have been released. The operation was still active on Friday evening.