Cars, cash and luxury goods seized during garda raids targeting Limerick-based crime gang

GARDAI have seized contraband worth more than €235,000 during a significant operation targeting the activities of a criminal group that is involved in an ongoing feud on the southside of Limerick city.

They say 17 searches were carried out on Tuesday at various locations on the southside of the city which resulted in the seizure of cash, cars and other high-value goods.

"This search operation forms part of an ongoing garda investigation aimed at disrupting a criminal group that is involved in an ongoing feud in this area which has resulted in pipe bomb and arson attacks, the discharge of firearms, drug dealing and other serious incidents," said a spokesperson.

Co-ordinated by gardai attached to Roxboro Road garda station, the operation involved more than 100 gardaí at divisional, regional and national level including the Garda Armed Support Unit, the Garda Dog Unit and the Garda Emergency Response Unit.

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"During the course of the searches,  gardai seized five vehicles, a significant amount in cash, a quantity of suspected cannabis, a number of high value watches and a significant quantity of designer goods," said a spokesperson.

The drugs seized are now subject to examination by Forensic Science Ireland.

Investigating gardai have confirmed that a male juvenile was arrested in connection with the seizure of drugs. He has since been released pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

This investigation remains ongoing.