Irish criminals have connections to 'extremely dangerous' international drugs cartels, Garda chief says

Garda commissioner Justin Kelly says there are criminal groups working 'outside this jurisdiction that have had devastating effects here'

Kerry businessman Nathan McDonnell was jailed for 12 years after he pleaded guilty to importing drugs into Cork and facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Gardaí are investigating active connections between Irish criminals and murderous international cartels, many operating in South and Central America, the Garda commissioner has said.

Irish criminals are now connected to “some of the most prominent transnational organised crime groups” in the world, Justin Kelly said.