Irish arrest 113 in raids focused on triad gangs

November 21, 2012 @ 9:18 am

DUBLIN (AP) - Ireland's police force says its officers have arrested 113 suspected drug dealers and seized five marijuana growing facilities in the nation's biggest-ever crackdown on triad drug-trafficking gangs.

Police say most of those arrested during raids on 236 properties Tuesday and Wednesday are Chinese and Vietnamese nationals involved in growing, smuggling and selling marijuana in Ireland. They say many are connected to the biggest Hong Kong-based gang, Wo Shing Wo, and are being directed by triad chieftains based in neighboring Britain.

Most of those arrested are expected to be arraigned this week on charges including drug trafficking, robbery, burglary, arms possession and handling stolen goods.

The five marijuana-growing operations involved 4,200 plants with an estimated street value of (EURO)3.5 million ($4.5 million).


(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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