OBJECTS which gardai believe to be rhinoceros horns are among items recovered in a garda search and seizure operation Rathkeale earlier this week.
A woman 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.
In addition to the seizure of around €400,000 across multiple bank accounts and in cash, a number of objects were also seized.
The large number of goods include designer bags, watches and objects believed to be rhinoceros horns. The horns are being examined by experts.
On Tuesday (December 2) a major Garda operation got underway in Rathkeale as part of ongoing investigations into incidents of money laundering in the region.
A number of premises were searched by Gardaí from the Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area supported by members from the Limerick Crime Functional Area, Regional and National Units.
Following this, Gardaí arrested three people and seized nearly €400,000 as part of the search across multiple bank accounts and in cash.
Eleven locations were searched under warrant as part of ongoing investigations into incidents of money laundering in the region.
A significant number of other items were also seized, which will be subject to further technical and forensic examination.
A woman and two men were arrested, the men on foot of court orders and those two appeared before Newcastle West District Court on Tuesday morning.
Speaking about the operation, Superintendent Michael Fleming, Limerick County Community Engagement said: “Today’s operation targets the activities of a number of individuals who are involved in serious criminality on a transnational basis.”
“The key element that today’s operation is focusing on is the area of money laundering and illicit gains from criminal activity which has taken place internationally and is being brought to bear in this jurisdiction. An Garda Síochána are committed to reassuring the community that we are aware of the activity of these individuals and we are committed to taking action.”