Latest | A father and son are currently in garda custody after gardaí discovered a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The incident occurred yesterday in the midst of the town’s hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is expected to attract half a million visitors this week.
Sources suggest that one line of investigation is that the suspects are involved in an ongoing feud between two groups in the town. This feud has resulted in several violent incidents in recent months, including a major disorder in June and numerous threats made online.
According to a source, tension has been escalating in relation to this dispute, and the seizure on Wednesday is seen as a significant development. Gardaí released details of the arrest operation today, stating that it was part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in Mullingar.
On Wednesday, a plain clothes Garda Patrol from Mullingar Garda Station directed a suspicious car to stop. However, the car failed to comply for a period of time. Eventually, one of the occupants, a man in his 30s, fled the vehicle. Gardaí chased and apprehended him, subsequently arresting him. During the foot chase, a bag was discarded, which was later recovered by Gardaí. Inside the bag, they found a firearm and ammunition.
The second occupant of the vehicle, a man in his 50s, was also arrested. Both men are currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, at a Garda Station in Co. Westmeath. As part of the investigation, several follow-up searches were conducted at residential premises in the Mullingar area, resulting in the seizure of additional evidence.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – August 10th
