Top drug traffickers with links to South America and UAE hit by major CAB operation

A 2023 Reg Volvo XC90 was among the items seized during searches in Co Donegal and Dublin.

Top-level Irish drug traffickers – with links from South America to the United Arab Emirates – have been hit by a major search operation led by the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Two “facilitators” for Ireland’s biggest drug gangs, including one led by a crime boss known as Mr Big, were the subject of a massive swoop on properties early on Wednesday.

One of the key assets in the CAB investigation is a plush coastal home in Donegal, suspected of being owned by Mr Big.

The large residence, finished and fitted out to a “high spec”, is estimated to be worth more than €1 million.

The two facilitators are considered major players in the logistics of international drug shipments, in particular bulk cocaine trafficking from South America, for a number of top gangs, including that led by Mr Big.

From north Dublin, this gang boss, now aged in his mid 40s, has been one of the main drug traffickers in Ireland for up to 20 years.

This man, along with another Dublin criminal, are suspected to have ordered the murder of Real IRA boss Alan Ryan in 2012.

A statement issued by CAB said the people targeted in Wednesday’s operation were persons suspected of trafficking in drugs on “an international scale”, with links to organised crime in Spain, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Big is sometimes resident in the UAE, which is also the country where the leaders of the Kinahan crime cartel live.

A total of 23 properties were searched, including homes, businesses and professional offices.

A top-of-the-range 2023 reg Volvo XC90 was seized, with private sales for this car with similar specs starting at around €80,000-€90,000.

In addition, €73,000 in a bank account was frozen.

A number of electronic devices were seized and will be subject to forensic examination.

A range of financial documentation was taken away, with a focus on movements of money, including the finances behind the purchase of the Donegal property.

In a statement, CAB said a search operation was conducted in Co Donegal and Dublin Metropolitan Region West.

“The operation was conducted by Bureau Officers with the support of Gardaí from Milford District, Donegal Division, the Regional Armed Support Unit, the Customs Dog Unit and members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau,” it said.

More than 70 personnel were involved in a total of 23 searches across Donegal and Dublin West which included dwellings, business premises and professional searches.

“The operation was carried out as part of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation into the assets of persons who are suspected of being involved in drug trafficking on an international scale,” the statement said.

“This Organised Criminal Gang (OCG) operates across this jurisdiction and has extensive links to Co. Donegal and North Dublin as well as Scotland, Spain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).” It said the following items were seized or frozen:

• *2023 reg Volvo XC90.
• *Circa €73,000 in a bank account.
• *Electronic Devices.
• *Financial Documents.

“Today’s search operation was conducted as part of an on-going proceeds of crime investigation targeting assets, including real estate, deriving in whole or in part from the proceeds of criminal activity,” it said.

It is understood that the dealer’s property in Donegal, which has been constructed and fitted out to a “high spec” is a key part of the investigation.

The CAB statement said: “This particular investigation was supported by a number of Good Citizens Reports (GCR’s) and also the assistance of a Divisional Assets Profiler.” CAB has previously highlighted the importance of confidential, anonymous tip offs by locals in starting off a possible investigation.

Local gardaí, who are trained by CAB as asset profilers, typically work on this information and conduct various investigations, before submitting a file to CAB HQ in Dublin for consideration.