Menu
05/11/2014
NI 'Lethal' Drug Gangs
Northern Ireland's drug gangs possess "lethal capabilities" through the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, a PSNI detective has said.
Detective Inspector Tom McClure is currently leading an investigation into the activities of a drugs gang in L'Derry.
He made the comments after two men from the city, 30-year-old Gary McPhillips and 28-year-old Ryan O’Reilly, were jailed for eight and two years respectively, in connection with the seizure of drugs and munitions in L'Derry two years ago.
Officers from Organised Crime Branch seized £20,000 worth of ecstasy and methedrone, three firearms and ammunition, two high explosive military specification hand grenades, an electric stun device and a CS gas canister following a police search at a property on Hawkin Street in December 2012 that was linked to McPhillips and O’Reilly.
The search was part of a follow-up investigation into the seizure of £800,000 worth of cannabis in the Glengalliagh area of the city in May 2012. Mark McPhillips was jailed for seven years and stripped of his assets after he was caught driving a van loaded with kitchen units containing the illegal drugs.
DI McClure said today: "These items which we recovered at Hawkin Street are worrying. They show a potential to cause serious injury or death, over and above the obvious harm posed by drugs. Thankfully, we have removed them before they can cause any damage.
"But there are worrying similarities to the violent paraphernalia associated with drugs gangs in large inner cities in Britain and Ireland where drugs are peddled for profit but cause nothing but destruction and where violence or the threat of violence are used to enforce these activities.
"We have taken this small arsenal which included a sub-machine gun, two handguns and two high explosive military specification hand grenades off the streets. We will continue to pursue any individual involved in organised criminality and drugs and put them before the courts. The criminal justice system is the only effective way of dealing with this community problem."
The sentences are to be served half in jail and half on licence. The court also imposed serious crime prevention orders on both men for five years to protect the community.
(IT/CD)
Detective Inspector Tom McClure is currently leading an investigation into the activities of a drugs gang in L'Derry.
He made the comments after two men from the city, 30-year-old Gary McPhillips and 28-year-old Ryan O’Reilly, were jailed for eight and two years respectively, in connection with the seizure of drugs and munitions in L'Derry two years ago.
Officers from Organised Crime Branch seized £20,000 worth of ecstasy and methedrone, three firearms and ammunition, two high explosive military specification hand grenades, an electric stun device and a CS gas canister following a police search at a property on Hawkin Street in December 2012 that was linked to McPhillips and O’Reilly.
The search was part of a follow-up investigation into the seizure of £800,000 worth of cannabis in the Glengalliagh area of the city in May 2012. Mark McPhillips was jailed for seven years and stripped of his assets after he was caught driving a van loaded with kitchen units containing the illegal drugs.
DI McClure said today: "These items which we recovered at Hawkin Street are worrying. They show a potential to cause serious injury or death, over and above the obvious harm posed by drugs. Thankfully, we have removed them before they can cause any damage.
"But there are worrying similarities to the violent paraphernalia associated with drugs gangs in large inner cities in Britain and Ireland where drugs are peddled for profit but cause nothing but destruction and where violence or the threat of violence are used to enforce these activities.
"We have taken this small arsenal which included a sub-machine gun, two handguns and two high explosive military specification hand grenades off the streets. We will continue to pursue any individual involved in organised criminality and drugs and put them before the courts. The criminal justice system is the only effective way of dealing with this community problem."
The sentences are to be served half in jail and half on licence. The court also imposed serious crime prevention orders on both men for five years to protect the community.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2006
NI teenagers shot in Ibiza
Two County Down teenagers have been shot during a holiday in Ibiza. The pair, aged 18 and 19 years old, are understood to have been caught in the cross-fire between rival drug gangs, while standing outside a nightclub in San Antonio. One of the young men is understood to have been shot in the face, while the other was shot in the chest.
NI teenagers shot in Ibiza
Two County Down teenagers have been shot during a holiday in Ibiza. The pair, aged 18 and 19 years old, are understood to have been caught in the cross-fire between rival drug gangs, while standing outside a nightclub in San Antonio. One of the young men is understood to have been shot in the face, while the other was shot in the chest.
06 January 2011
Irish Police Probe Fatal Stabbing
A 25-year-old man has died and two have been arrested after a stabbing incident in Co Meath. The incident happened early this morning at the house in Rathmolyon. Gardaí discovered the victim at about 1am before he was taken to Connolly Memorial hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where he died in the early hours of the morning.
Irish Police Probe Fatal Stabbing
A 25-year-old man has died and two have been arrested after a stabbing incident in Co Meath. The incident happened early this morning at the house in Rathmolyon. Gardaí discovered the victim at about 1am before he was taken to Connolly Memorial hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where he died in the early hours of the morning.
01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
