Rhinoceros horns, designer bags and watches seized by gardai in Limerick town

GARDAI in Limerick have released further details of Tuesday’s major search and arrest operation in Rathkeale.

The raids targeted the activities of a number of individuals “involved in serious criminality on a transnational basis”.

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Eleven locations were searched under warrant as part of ongoing investigations into incidents of money laundering in the region. 

“As a result, approximately €400,000 has been seized across multiple bank accounts and in cash.

“A significant number of other items were also seized, which will be subject to further technical and forensic examination,” said a garda spokesperson on Tuesday.

This Wednesday evening, gardai have revealed the items that were seized.

“The large number of goods include designer bags, watches and objects believed to be rhinoceros horns. The horns are subject to undergo examination by experts,” said a garda spokesperson.

According to the Save the Rhino website, Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but increasingly common is its use as a status symbol to display success and wealth.

The international trade in rhino horn has been banned under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) since 1977. The value of Rhino horns on the black market has escalated dramatically to US$60,000/kg

A female arrested in connection with this investigation has been released without charge. A file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.