Arrest and Seizure in Dundalk
Gardaí have arrested a woman in her 30s as part of an ongoing investigation targeting an organised crime group, following searches in Dundalk on Friday. The searches, conducted at a number of residential premises, involved members of the Louth Cavan Monaghan Crime Functional Area, with assistance from the Regional Armed Support Unit, the Special Detective Unit, and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
During the operation, a number of items were seized, including firearms and viable improvised explosive devices. The items have been sent for further technical examination.
The woman was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a Garda Station in the North East of the country. A Garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing. Under the legislation, she could be held for up to 72 hours.
Court Appearance
The arrested woman has since been identified as Ciara Brady, aged 34, of Cedarwood Park in Dundalk. She appeared before Dundalk District Court, charged with a total of six offences: four of possessing firearms and two of possessing ammunition. The court heard she made no reply when charged.
Ms. Brady, who was without a solicitor in court due to the ongoing legal aid strike, was granted bail with conditions, including that she surrender her passport and sign on twice a week at Dundalk Garda station.
The court appearance follows the searches and seizures conducted by Gardaí on Friday, which were part of the investigation into the organised crime group in Louth.