Gardaí arrest 34 in black market crackdown in Limerick

As part of the operation, which involved over 40 gardaí, a residential property was searched and four multi-agency checkpoints were conducted

Gardaí have arrested 34 people as part of a joint operation in Kilmallock, Co Limerick on Monday. Picture: Garda Press

Gardaí have arrested 34 people as part of a joint operation in Kilmallock, Co Limerick on Monday.

The operation included detecting and preventing theft and fraud, and organised retail crime offences; enforcement of road traffic legislation; and control of dogs legislation targeting the possession of controlled breeds.

During the operation, which involved over 40 gardaí, a residential property was searched and four multi-agency checkpoints were conducted.

A total of 34 people were arrested for various alleged offences, including outstanding bench warrants, and three arrests under Operation Táirge - which detects and prevents organised retail crime.

Gardaí have arrested 34 people as part of a joint operation in Kilmallock, Co Limerick on Monday. Picture: Garda Press

One vehicle was detected by customs with green diesel, and a fine was issued, and one pit-bull dog was seized by Limerick City and County Council.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the operation, and are currently been held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at Garda stations in Co Limerick and Co Tipperary.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.

Organised retail crime refers to situations where a number of people are acting together, targeting retailer outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to resell through the black market.

It can also involve refund fraud with the purpose of making a financial or material benefit.