A MAJOR Scottish crime gang masterminded the shipment of €31 million worth of cocaine into Ireland, Gardai believe.
Investigators from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau are also probing if the mob had “logistical support” from representatives of transnational crime gangs based in Ireland.
A Scottish crime gang masterminded the shipment of cocaine worth €31m into Ireland[/caption]
The haul was transported to the suspects in a mothership before being seized by cops in Cork[/caption]
As the investigation continues into the seizure at Courtmacsherry, Co Cork, on Tuesday morning, we can also reveal that two of the four suspects are involved in the fishing industry.
One, 39, is based in the Highlands in Scotland and the other is a businessman, 44, from Cornwall in south England.
Another, 40, is from the Pollock area of Glasgow, while the German national, 31, is from the Bavarian region of Germany.
All four are being held on suspicion of their involvement in this year’s biggest seizure of drugs.
Gardai also believe the suspects are “key members” of the Scots-based crime gang.
One source said: “These suspects are considered to be important cogs of this organised crime group.
“The Scottish-based gangs are heavily involved in transnational drug trafficking but this smuggling route is now dismantled.
“All four are very experienced and this was a very professional drug smuggling operation.
“Crime gangs are deliberately targeting fishermen and others who are corrupted by money and greed.
“There is no doubt that these individuals were critical enablers for this criminal organisation.”
FOUR ARRESTED
The four were arrested after a major operation – which started with a surveillance investigation over the weekend – in Co Cork.
Two of the suspects were lifted as they left in a van with the huge haul of drugs.
The other two tried to escape on a rib but were caught by the Naval Service and later formally arrested by Gardai.
Investigators believe the haul was destined for the UK and European market and was transported to the suspects in a mothership.
The four suspects can be held for a week before being released or charged.
As part of the major Joint Task Force investigation, Gardai also worked with Revenue, the Air Corps and Naval Service.
Gardai and Customs also continue to monitor the Irish coastline as part of their efforts to stop the cartels from targeting Ireland with bulk shipments of cocaine.
The haul is this year’s biggest seizure of drugs[/caption]
