Ballistic vest & 3D-printed gun found on criminal smelling of cannabis in taxi

Irish Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Gardaí believe they may have prevented a gangland hit - after catching a criminal wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying what appeared to be a 3D-printed handgun.
Uniformed Gardaí from Kilmainham were performing a routine patrol along Turvey Avenue, Inchicore, Dublin 8 at approximately 8pm on Tuesday night when they observed two men of interest getting into a taxi.
Sources say the officers knew the two men and stopped the taxi because they thought it suspicious that they were getting one in the area. It was feared that the two suspects were about to carry out some form of criminal activity.
On stopping the taxi, the Gardaí were met by a strong smell of cannabis, and both occupants were informed they were going to be searched under the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
One of the young men was found to be wearing a ballistic vest and in possession of a substantial sum of money, Gardaí say. It is understood the cash was in the several hundreds - close to €1,000.
As he was being searched, a .22 calibre pistol fell from being concealed in the ballistic vest. It is believed the weapon was 3D printed - a worrying new trend in gangland crime.
Sources say it is feared the incident could be connected to a simmering feud in the area - and that young criminals are arming themselves with homegrown weapons.
Gardaí say they arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the seizure and he is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda Station in Dublin. The firearm seized is now subject to full technical examination.
Speaking about the seizure, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: "I want to acknowledge and commend the work of two uniform members of An Garda Síochána yesterday evening going about their duties diligently and proactively.
"This was a timely intervention likely to have saved lives or prevented serious injury and is another dangerous firearm which has been taken off the streets of Dublin.
"Gardaí across the Dublin region are on duty 24 hours a day, supporting local communities and working hard to An Garda Síochána mission of keeping people safe.'
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