Gang member shot as city drug trade feud escalates

A YOUNG man was shot and seriously injured in Crumlin over the weekend as part of a longstanding feud between two rival Dublin gangs.

But the 20-year-old targeted man has refused to co-operate with investigating officers or give details about his suspected attackers.

He was shot in the chest at about 10pm on Saturday while on the street on Kildare Road in Crumlin.

It is believed his attackers made their escape in a car.

The local man was taken to St James’s Hospital where his condition was described as serious but not life-threatening.

Gardaí at Sundrive Garda Station are investigating the attack and the scene was sealed off for technical examination.

Investigators believe the victim was shot as part of the feud that has seen gangs fight for control of the drugs trade in Crumlin and Drimnagh and has resulted in several deaths so far.

The feud is understood to date back to 2001 relating mainly to local drug dealing and the distribution of cocaine. Reports say up to 10 people have lost their lives because of the feud.

Last September, Gary Byrne, 31, was shot dead outside his girlfriend’s house in Walkinstown. A gunman chased him, eventually shooting him five times in the head. Byrne was known to gardaí and suspected of murdering a rival gang member in February 2004.

In February this year, a gunman shot another gang member in the face, leg, arms and shoulder.

The 22-year-old was shot as part of the feud while at a house in the Liberties. Local officers have been bracing themselves for revenge attacks.

It is believed detectives trying to keep surveillance on the gang members are finding it difficult, as often they sleep in different places each night.