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Irish Times
02-07-2025
- Irish Times
Customs officers boarded ship suspected of delivering €31 million drugs haul off Cork coast
Customs officials boarded and examined a ship suspected of delivering cocaine worth almost €31 million to an international drugs trafficking gang off the south-west coast of Ireland. The officers examined ship movements off Broad Strand near Courtmacsherry in West Cork and identified a bulk carrier, which they believe may have brought the drugs across the Atlantic from South America for collection off the Cork coast. The carrier passed 20 miles off Broad Strand in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leading customs officials to believe it may have been the ship that delivered the drugs to the gang waiting in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Customs rummage crews boarded the ship in Irish waters on Tuesday and carried out an examination of it. However, they found nothing of evidential value to the criminal investigation and the ship was told it was free to continue on its voyage. READ MORE Meanwhile, detectives from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) continue to work with international police forces and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC- N) in Lisbon in a bid to trace the origin of the huge drugs haul. Gardai from GNDOCB backed up by armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) seized the drugs as they were being driven away from Broad Strand near Courtmacsherry by two of the four-man gang involved in landing the cocaine at the empty beach at around 4am. Armed officers stopped the UK-registered rental van and arrested the driver, a a 40-year-old man from Glasgow in Scotland and his passenger, a 31-year-old German from Bavaria. The officers recovered 440kg of cocaine in 18 vacuum packed blocks from the back of the van. The two men, whom gardai believed travelled from the UK with the van at the weekend, were taken for questioning to Bandon Garda station. They can be detained for up to seven days under drugs trafficking legislation. The Naval Service apprehended two other members of the gang, a 44-year-old Englishman from Cornwall and a 36-year-old Scot from Aberdeenshire, when two Maritime Interdiction Teams stopped and boarded their RIB off Waterford. The Naval Service detained the two men, whom they believe were returning to the UK, and brought them back to Naval Service headquarters where they were handed over to gardaí. The two men were arrested and taken to Togher Garda station for questioning. They too are being held under drugs trafficking legislation. The haul of drugs has been sent for analysis by scientists at Forensic Science Ireland to establish the purity of the cocaine. This will give a more accurate estimate as to the potential street value of the consignment.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Brazen' gang's €31m cocaine smuggling op ‘targeting Irish coastline' smashed with 4 lifted as ‘gateway' theory emerges
GARDAI smashed a Brit-led gang's attempts to smuggle €31million worth of cocaine through Ireland today. The massive haul was snatched off the southwest coast after armed gardai intervened in Courtmacsherry, 4 It's the largest seizure since the €157m nabbed on the MV Matthew in September 2023 Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 4 The cocaine was brought ashore just after 4am this morning Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 The Emergency Response Unit intervened and stopped the van with their guns drawn Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin Detectives are probing if the drugs had come from The Irish Navy caught two other members of the A source told The Irish Sun: 'It was a hugely successful operation by gardai and their partners and should serve as a major warning for international The seizure is the largest since the €157million nabbed on board the MV Matthew in September 2023, with eight of its crew set to be sentenced at the Special Criminal READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The dramatic operation in the early hours of this morning came off the back of intelligence received by A joint task force led by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau — which included Revenue, the Irish Naval Service and local cops — had monitored a number of men and vehicles for over 24 hours in the run-up to the seizure. The coke was brought ashore just after 4am this morning and packed into a van off Broadstrand. When gardai looking on saw enough, the Emergency Response Unit intervened and stopped the van with their guns drawn. Most read in Irish News Two men from the UK and At the same time, two men who were on the RIB fled as the Naval Service gave chase. SUSPECT BOAT INTERCEPTED The Irish Naval ship L.E. William Butler Yeats — on patrol in the area as part of the op — responded, supported by a Maritime patrol aircraft from the Irish Air Corps, who also provided overhead surveillance during the operation. Two Naval Service rigid-hulled inflatable boats, carrying armed members from the Maritime Interdiction Team, were launched from the L.E. William Butler Yeats and intercepted the suspect boat off the coast of Cork. These two suspects — one from A source said: 'Gardai suspect these individuals were part of a UK organised 'At this stage it appears the drugs were destined for the 'Clearly a lot of planning had gone into this and work is underway to establish who else was involved, aside from the arrested men.' The four suspects — all aged in their 30s and 40s — have been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and could be hit with a variety of charges under gangland legislation. They can be held for a week before being either charged or released, with detectives liaising with the Director of Public Prosecutions. COPS' PROBES Gardai are working closely with Interpol and colleagues in the UK as part of their efforts to establish the suspects' backgrounds. Investigators are also probing if Irish criminal gangs who provide certain logistical and transport support to other known criminal networks were involved. The four men in custody are said to be vital cogs in the wheel in this particular operation but lower down the chain of command. Two are suspected of collecting the drug shipment and bringing it to shore while the other two were there to collect it. Gardai also believe the drugs were initially collected by a mother ship, but it has yet to be located. In recent weeks, senior Gardai in Cork have held briefings to discuss the threat posed by transnational drugs gangs over the summer months. Although GANGS MORE 'BRAZEN' A source said: 'The international gangs seem to be more brazen and their shipments are happening all year round now. 'They have vessels that can be used in adverse weather conditions. 'They also have access to RIBs that are faster than some of those used by the Irish Naval Service.' West Cork He said: 'Early indications say this operation was under surveillance for the last number of days so that is a testament to all involved for their professionalism and success in combating the importation of drugs and its further transportation. 'This is a significant detection — the biggest drug bust in Ireland this year. 'In West Cork, we are well aware how narcotics can be smuggled into this country and the continent. 'All involved in this operation — An Garda Siochana, Naval Service, Air Corps — have worked extremely well together and shown their capabilities in taking on criminal gangs and international smugglers.' INCREASED NEED FOR RESOURCES O'Donovan added: 'This capture highlights again the increased need for further Garda resources in West Cork — more Gardai patrolling our rural areas prevents and deters criminal activity. 'And indeed further investment in our Naval Service and Air Corp to continue this good work and combat criminality. 'I will be working with all, including Tanaiste and Defence Minister Meanwhile, He said: 'Another major cocaine seizure worth up to €31million by gardai this morning. Excellent co-operation involving Gardai, Defence Forces and Revenue, and another example of our work to disrupt the criminal gangs involved.' Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris posted on He added: 'I want to commend members of An Garda Siochana, Defence Forces, Naval Service and Revenue for their close collaboration in securing such a successful outcome.' 4 Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
Local Norway
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
'General armament': Why police in Norway could soon carry guns
Can Norwegian police bear arms today? Police in Norway - like their counterparts in the IK (apart from Northern Ireland), New Zealand, Ireland, and Iceland - do not carry weapons when carrying out general duties. Weapons are locked in patrol cars or at police stations, with officers required to obtain permission from the chief of police or someone designated by him/her before they can collect and use weapons. Some specialized units, like the Emergency Response Unit, or Delta Force, are armed whenever deployed. Police can also be temporarily armed, as happened in 2024 when there was a widespread threat to mosques around the country during the Eid al-Fitr festival. READ ALSO: Police in Norway can now patrol streets with firearms What is the new law and when was it passed? The new law, Changes to the police law: armament in daily service, will give Norway's National Police Directorate the power decide to arm police officers firearms in their daily work. The directorate will be able to arm officers without any time limit and regardless of whether there is a severe threat - previously a condition for temporary armament. The directorate will also decide when officers should be unarmed, such as when working with children and youth, during school visits, preventive assignments, hospital security, contact with relatives, or when officers are testifying in court. The directorate can also decide to leave local police forces the right to make an assessment over when or whether armament is necessary. Advertisement When will the new law come into force? The justice ministry hopes that the new law will come into force some time in 2026, after which it will be up to police chiefs to set the terms and extent of arming officers, depending on location, timing and assignment. What's the rationale for the change? There is growing unease over gang crime in Norway, with 38 homicides in 2024, the highest number since 2013. Norway has also suffered several terror attacks over the past few decades, such as the 2022 Oslo shooting, the Bærum mosque shooting, and the 2011 twin attack on Oslo's government quarter and the island of Utøya. "There has been a change in crime patterns whereby organized criminal networks are now armed," Norway's justice minister Astri Aas-Hansen (Labour Party) told VG when she presented the proposal in May. "The police are encountering armed people out there, the threat situation has become sharper. And the police have been very clear in their professional advice to us." Police Chief Ida Melbo Øystese said: "I am grateful for the trust that politicians in the government and the parliament show when they place so much emphasis on the fact that we in the police believe that general armament has become absolutely necessary." Advertisement Who voted for the proposal? The change was passed with a large majority: 81 in favour and only 20 against. Only four of the country's 11 parliamentary parties opposed the proposal, the Social Left Party, the Liberal Party, the Red Party, and he Green Party. Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik, from the Liberal Party, said that by passing the law Norway had "crossed a line that marks a radical change for our rule of law". "With widespread arming, the police lose their civil character," she told Norwegian news agency NTB.
BreakingNews.ie
09-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Garda vehicle numbers rise to more than 3,600 after force transformation
An Garda Síochána has the largest fleet of vehicles in its history as well as new technology systems following what has been described as the biggest ever shake-up to the force. Following a transformation process which started in 2018, an information-led policing approach has seen the issue of 15,000 mobility devices which minimise the time it takes to retrieve information. Advertisement Some 700 body-worn cameras are being piloted by officers while vehicle numbers have risen to 3,672 including new specialist vehicles such as two water cannon along with public order and community engagement vans. Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024 was formally launched at the Innovation Centre, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, on Monday. The Garda Emergency Response Unit and Regional Armed Support Units have received investment. Photo: Niall Carson/PA It was compiled to provide an organisational account of the implementation of A Policing Service For Our Future (APSFF) programme. It records the force's strength as of November 2024 as 14,054 Garda members, 3,689 Garda staff along with 319 Garda reserves. Advertisement Among the changes recorded include a new operating model rolled out across 21 divisions which has established four functional areas within each division. These are community engagement; performance assurance; crime; and business services functions, and is described as the biggest structural change in the history of the organisation. Meanwhile the organisation's latest Public Attitudes Survey records public trust in An Garda Síochána at 89 per cent. In the area of human rights, approximately 4,000 Garda personnel have become human rights champions having completed a University of Limerick accredited course in Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland. Advertisement In terms of health and well-being support, a 24/7 independent helpline and counselling service has been established, as well as 17 full-time employee assistance officers, 1,164 peer supporters, and 3,500 personnel have received mental health first aid training. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Photo: PA Ireland Limerick Garda breaks silence after acquittal in '... Read More Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the report documents the transformation journey. 'It provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done over these past seven years to bring about really meaningful change in our organisation. While we have made progress, there is more to do,' he said. 'And so, Garda Síochána will continue to adapt to the needs of the public and we remain committed to delivering a modern, community-focused policing service to the people of Ireland.' Advertisement
Toronto Sun
06-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
CRIME SCENE: Three men charged, fourth sought in Markham home invasion
Malcolm Tyrone Gittens, 25, of Oshawa faces five charges following Markham home invasion. Photo by York Regional Police Three men have been charged and a fourth suspect is sought for a Markham home invasion that occurred earlier this week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account York Regional Police say officers responded to a home invasion in the area of Sauder Dr. and Jinnah Ave. shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday after three men, armed with one firearm, entered through the front door and confronted the homeowners. The men allegedly assaulted one victim and fled with a quantity of cash in a white, four-door Acura TL sedan. But their escape was thwarted when the suspect vehicle collided with responding police vehicles. Cops say four suspects fled from the vehicle on foot and after a short foot pursuit, two suspects were taken into custody and a firearm was recovered. A third suspect was quickly identified and arrested, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit, following the execution of a search warrant at a Mississauga apartment complex. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Raqib Jamal Qaiser, 32, of Bowmanville, Malcom Tyrone Gittens, 25, of Oshawa, and Andrew Clinton Thorne, 26, of Mississauga, all face charges of robbery with a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition and disguise with intent. Raqib Jamal Qaiser, 32, of Bowmanville faces four charges in connection with a June 4 Markham home invasion. (York Regional Police) Photo by York Regional Police Gittens also faces charges of disobeying order of court and breach of probation while Thorne also faces possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order and two counts of failure to comply with judicial release order. Gittens was on probation and Thorne was on judicial release orders for unrelated offences. Andrew Clinton Thorne, 26, of Mississauga faces six charges in connection with a June 4 Markham home invasion. (York Regional Police) Photo by York Regional Police One suspect is still sought but has yet to be identified. Police released images of the suspects out of concern they may have been involved in other alleged incidents. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). Police have released new images of a suspect wanted in an alleged assault on Danztore Path in Oshawa on June 1. (Durham Regional Police) Photo by Durham Regional Police UNIDENTIFIED MAN SOUGHT FOR ALLEGED KNIFE ATTACK IN OSHAWA Investigators have released additional images of a suspect wanted in connection with an assault involving a weapon last weekend in Oshawa. Durham Regional Police say officers responded to reports of an armed person near Steeplechase St. and Windfields Farm Dr. around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. A man was walking west on Danztore Path when he allegedly approached two people walking in the opposite direction. As they passed each other, police allege the man pulled out a knife and tried to stab one of the other people. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. No injuries were reported. The assailant fled the area prior to police arrival and despite a search of the area, with help from the K9 Unit, the man was not found. The motive for the alleged attack remains under investigation. Anyone with video footage from this area or information about this incident is asked to call police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1805, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Read More TWO MARKHAM HOMES SHOT UP DAYS APART Investigators are appealing for witnesses after another Markham residence was targeted in a shooting early Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. York Regional Police say officers responded to a home in the area of 16th Avenue and William Berczy Blvd. around 4 a.m. and found multiple shell casings and visible damage to both the garage and a glass sliding door. Five people were inside the home at the time of the shooting but no injuries were reported. A previous shooting occurred at a neighbouring house last Saturday. The suspect vehicle is described only as a black sport utility vehicle. Investigators need help tracking down a shooter who opened fire on a Markham home from inside an SUV on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Photo by York Regional Police / YouTube (screengrab) Investigators are seeking any additional video surveillance from the area or any dashcam video on the roadways at that time. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Four men are accused of two break-and-enters in Markham and Toronto. York Regional Police say officers responded to the first break-and-enter near Raymerville Dr. and Tunny Cr., in Markham, around 1 p.m. on April 12. The bandits gained entry by smashing a rear glass door but fled after realizing the house was occupied. There were no injuries, police say. Investigators subsequently identified a white Kia Forte as a suspect vehicle and learned it was allegedly associated to additional break-and-enters across York Region. On Tuesday around 10 p.m., officers responded to a residential break-and-enter in the area of Lawrence Ave. W. and Avenue Rd. in Toronto and with the assistance of the Air Support Unit. The suspect vehicle and four suspects were arrested. Charged with related offences are Chabuka Kikalishvili, 36, Hiorhi Popsui, 42, Lasha Keburia, 41, and Davit Bezbakh, 41, all of Toronto. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7545, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Olympics NHL Toronto & GTA Editorial Cartoons Ontario
