Soldier arrested over firearms linked to criminal activity

ARMY representatives yesterday warned soldiers to report any approaches made to them by criminals after it emerged a young private is being investigated by gardaí for handling illegal firearms.

The Dublin soldier was arrested by gardaí on Tuesday under the section 30 of the Offences against the State Act. He was taken into custody in connection with the possession of illegal firearms which, according to reports, were linked to criminal activity.

A source indicated the soldier was linked to at least two incidents of possession of explosives. A file is being prepared for the DPP.

The serving soldier was in military custody yesterday ahead of a military investigation into why he was absent from duty without leave for 59 days.

He was arrested by military police following a separate court appearance on Wednesday in connection with failing to appear on a drink driving warrant, a defence force spokesman confirmed.

This separate case will be heard again on April 23.

The young soldier remained in army custody yesterday in the McKee Barracks, Dublin, as military police prepared a case for his absence without leave. He faces the possibility of a number of days in detention, a fine as well as the forfeiture of pay.

Meanwhile, it emerged that a number of investigations have been carried out into approaches made by criminals to soldiers.

Separate reliable sources said any contact made by criminals was reported to gardaí and military police previous years. The incidents were “highly unusual” but taken “very seriously”, said one source.

On one occasion, a soldier in Donegal was asked by a well known criminal to supply arms.

Other reports suggest a number of approaches have been made to soldiers in Dublin and Limerick in recent years by criminals because of their training, knowledge and access to military type weapons.

The soldiers’ representative group, PDFORRA, advised defence force members yesterday to report any contact made by criminals immediately.

“If they are approached, they should advise military authorities, give as much detail as possible and get on with their lives,” said deputy general secretary Simon Devereaux.

He added, however, that in such a situation, there was a great strain on members.

“It can be difficult for a soldier, especially if they have dependents,” he said.