GARDAÍ have been carrying out a significant search and raid operation in the St Mary’s Park estate in Limerick City this Friday afternoon.
At least 12 Garda vehicles, including several armed units, were deployed to the estate, known locally as The Island, given its location on the banks of the River Shannon.
The estate has been dogged for years as a stronghold of an organised drug gang, which has feuded with rival criminal gangs and which led to 23 murders in Limerick between the late 90s and mid 2000s.
For decades houses have been used as drug dens by criminals. Persons who previously refused the local drug gang’s offer for their homes were burned out of the estate.
Similar intimidation tactics by drug gangs have been used in other parts of the city.
At around 2pm this Friday afternoon, Gardaí closed off traffic access to St Ita’s Street in the St Mary’s Park estate to allow Gardaí managed access to properties.
A Garda Press Office spokesperson said it was not aware of the Garda operation.
Uniformed Gardaí maintained a watching brief while holding the scene closed as other Gardaí conducted searches.
More to follow…