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06th May 2018

Gardaí discover ‘pill-making factory’ in Kildare home

Rory Cashin

protest Dublin

Three people were arrested following raid in relation to Kinahan crime gang.

Gardaí have released details of a “pill-making factory” that they discovered during a raid on a home in County Kildare.

On the afternoon on Sunday 6 May, armed officers raided a house in St Raphael’s Manor in Celbridge as part of an ongoing investigation that is being led by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

They have been investigating the activities of the Kinahan crime gang, and the raid resulted in the discovery of discovered what they described as a “pill-making factory” with chemicals, a tablet pressing machine, and packaging equipment.

RTE News reported that an estimated €500,000 worth of MDMA, or ecstasy tablets, and powder have been recovered, as well as a quantity of heroin.

Three men have been arrested, and are currently being held for questioning in nearby police stations. They are believed to be from Poland, and are in their mid 30s to early 40s.

Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, who is in charge of Special Crime Operations, said: “This operation provides further evidence of the extent of links between Irish-based organised crime groups and the international drug trade.

“The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has today dealt another blow to those involved in organised crime. Our effort in tackling organised crime is unrelenting and will continue as long as is necessary,”

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