Two Men Arrested in Major Garda Operation Targeting Drogheda Gang
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, two men in their 20s were arrested during a major garda operation on Tuesday morning. The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving the garda armed tactical unit, which conducted dawn raids across nine properties in the Louth town of Drogheda.
The suspects are believed to be key figures in the anti-Maguire gang, a criminal group previously embroiled in the violent Drogheda feud that claimed four lives. According to The Sunday World,both men are suspected of “directing operations” for the gang,which has been under intense scrutiny by law enforcement.
The operation is part of an ongoing examination led by the Drogheda drugs unit, targeting organized criminal activity in Co Louth. Gardaí have already made significant progress, charging four women in December 2024, one man in November 2024, and eight individuals in October 2024 as part of the same initiative.
The anti-Maguire gang had been locked in a deadly feud wiht a rival faction led by Owen Maguire and Cornelius Price, who died in 2023. The violence, which plagued the town for years, was eventually quelled through prosperous garda operations and the deaths of key figures.
The two men are scheduled to appear before Dundalk District court this morning at 10.30 am. This latest progress underscores the gardaí’s commitment to dismantling organized crime networks in the region.
Key Details of the operation
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date of Operation | Tuesday morning, January 2025 |
| Number of Arrests | Two men in their 20s |
| Properties Searched | Nine locations across Drogheda |
| Charges Filed | suspected of directing operations for the anti-Maguire gang |
| Previous Charges | Four women (Dec 2024), one man (Nov 2024), eight individuals (Oct 2024) |
| Court Appearance | Dundalk District Court, 10.30 am |
This operation marks a critical step in the fight against organized crime in Drogheda,as authorities continue to disrupt the activities of notorious gangs and bring those responsible to justice.
Gardaí Arrest Two Men in Drogheda as Part of Operation Stratus
In a significant crackdown on organised criminal activity in Drogheda, Co Louth, Gardaí have arrested two men in their 20s as part of Operation Stratus, an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and associated money laundering. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, involved searches at nine addresses across the town.
A garda spokesperson stated: “As part of Operation Stratus, an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity and the sale and supply of drugs and associated money laundering in the Drogheda area, Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drug Unit conducted a search operation this morning.” the operation was supported by the Drogheda, Dundalk, and Ardee Detective Units, and also the Armed Response unit and the emergency Response Unit.
This latest action is part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks in the north-east of Ireland. Gardaí suspect that an anti-Maguire grouping remains heavily involved in drug trafficking and related violence in the region. A source told the Sunday World: “The two brothers who are the leaders of this gang are still out of the country because they are facing serious charges in Ireland.”
Recent months have seen significant successes against the gang,with several individuals currently before the courts on money laundering charges. Additionally, multiple large drug seizures at airports have been linked to the group, highlighting their extensive operations.
Key Details of Operation Stratus
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Operation Name | Operation Stratus |
| Location | Drogheda, Co Louth |
| Date | 21st January 2025 |
| Units Involved | Divisional Drug Unit, Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee Detective Units, Armed Response Unit, Emergency Response Unit |
| Arrests | Two men (both in their 20s) |
| Addresses Searched | Nine |
The arrests underscore the ongoing challenges posed by organised crime in Ireland, notably in regions like Drogheda. Gardaí remain committed to disrupting these networks and bringing those responsible to justice.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
What are your thoughts on the efforts to combat organised crime in Ireland? Share your views in the comments below.Two men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in Drogheda, co. Louth, and surrounding areas.The suspects are currently detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at stations in the Garda North Western Region.
“Both are currently detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at stations in the Garda North Western Region,” authorities confirmed. “investigations are ongoing.”
The arrests highlight the continued efforts of Gardaí to combat organised crime in the region. The use of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice act,2007,underscores the seriousness of the allegations,as this provision allows for extended detention periods in cases involving serious criminal activity.
Key Details of the Arrests
| Detail | Data |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Drogheda, Co. Louth, and surrounding areas |
| Number of Arrests | Two men |
| Legal Provision | Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 |
| Detention Location | Garda North Western Region stations |
| Status | Investigations ongoing |
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on organised crime in the area, with Gardaí working tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks. For more details on the ongoing investigation, visit the LMFM News report.
As the investigation progresses, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Stay updated on this developing story by following Sunday World’s coverage.
Based on the provided information, here’s a summarized timeline and key details of the operation against the anti-Maguire gang in Drogheda:
Timeline:
- October 2024: Eight individuals arrested as part of the same initiative.
- November 2024: One man arrested.
- December 2024: Four women arrested.
- january 2025 (Operation stratus):
– Two men in their 20s arrested.
- Nine locations across Drogheda searched.
– The men are suspected of directing operations for the anti-maguire gang.
Key Details (Operation Stratus):
- Operation Name: operation Stratus
- Location: Drogheda, Co Louth
- Date: 21st January 2025
- Units Involved: divisional Drug Unit, Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee Detective Units, Armed Response Unit, Emergency Response Unit
- Arrests: Two men (both in their 20s)
- Addresses Searched: Nine
Court Appearance:
- Dundalk District Court, 10.30 am (scheduled for the two men arrested in January 2025)
