13/01/2009

Guns Found In Organised Crime Probe

Gardaí have recovered several firearms during an investigation into an organised criminal gang in west Dublin.

Following planned searches on waste ground near Palmerstown Wood, five shotguns and two rifles were found.

Officers from Clondalkin and Kilmainham carried out the searches yesterday evening.

Despite the find no arrests have yet been made.

The weapons have been sent for ballistics and forensic examinations to determine if they have been used in any shootings.

The news comes as Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy called for a new focus on community to tackle gang crime.

In an interview with the Irish Independent, Commissioner Murphy (pictured) said the "re-energised" concept of community partnership would be central to tackling organised crime in Ireland.

According to the commissioner, the community-focused approach would be based on adapting a variety of policing models to suit local needs.

The Commissioner said projects which were operated on a trial basis in Dublin's north inner city; Tallaght; Thomastown, Co Kilkenny; and the Inishowen Peninsula, in Co Donegal, would form the main planks of his new campaign.

(DW/BMcC)

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