Teenager arrested after raid nets gun

Ken Foy Crime correspondent

GARDAI investigating the activities of a dangerous north Dublin crime gang have arrested a 19-year-old man after recovering a handgun.

Officers found the .38mm revolver, shotgun cartridges and a large quantity of cannabis after the planned search of a house in the Moatview area of Coolock.

The raid happened yesterday morning and the teenage suspect in custody was not previously known for involvement in serious gang-related activity.

A senior source explained: "This is part of an ongoing investigation into serious crime in the Priorswood area."

CUSTODY

The investigation is being led by the Coolock drugs unit and the suspect remained in custody at Coolock Garda station last night.

The Herald has learned that the gang being targeted are not the same crew who were involved in murdering Real IRA chief Alan Ryan last year but have connections to that mob.

Gardai are not linking the seizure to an earlier pipe bomb attack at a halting site in Coolock which has led to fears of a new Travellers feud.

Sources have told The Herald that two opposing factions have become embroiled in a bitter dispute which is getting "more serious all of the time".

hnews@herald.ie