Brothers accused of directing criminals
TWO brothers have become the first to be charged with the new offence of directing a criminal organisation.
Armed gardai were out in force as Eddie (26) and Michael (29) O'Loughlin were taken before a special sitting of Galway District Court.
Members of the Emergency Response Unit, armed with sub-machine guns, manned the vantage points around Galway courthouse for the special hearing on Saturday evening.
The case against both men is the first of its type to reach the courts since the introduction of so-called anti-gangland legislation last year.
Det Garda Shaun Durkin gave evidence of arresting and charging Eddie O'Loughlin (26) of Rockfield Park, Rahoon, Galway, at Galway garda station on Saturday. The accused made no reply to the charge.
Cannabis
He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in Galway between February and June of this year.
Garda Orla Keenan gave evidence of arresting Michael O'Loughlin (29), of Rahylin Glebe, Ballbane, Galway and charging him, also on Saturday. He faces the same charge as his brother.
The second accused man also made no reply to the charge.
A third man, Dean Shepherd (22), of Cookes Terrace, Bohermore, Galway, also appeared at the special court sitting in Galway. He is charged with having possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply at Castlegar, Galway, on April 12 last.
Garda Caroline Hayes told the court Dean Shepherd had made no reply to the charge.
Judge Fahy remanded all three men in custody to appear again at Harristown District Court next Friday.
A total of 12 men were arrested last Tuesday as part of Operation Foolscap. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in the western region, including drugs and firearms offences, intimidation, extortion, burglaries and robberies.
A total of seven have been charged to date, while files in respect of the others are being prepared for the DPP.
- Brian McDonald
Irish Independent
