Crime - Thurles Information

Prison Staff Under Investigation For Alleged Fuel Card Misappropriation.

A number of employees, possibly 5 in total, within the Irish Prison Service are currently under investigation following allegations that they misused fuel cards registered to State vehicles for their own personal motor vehicles.

It is alleged that approximately some €3,000 worth of fuel was purchased and paid for, using fuel cards property of the Irish Prison Service Escort Corp (PSEC) and correctly used to buy fuel for vehicles independently providing prisoner escorting services.

The Prison Service Escorts Corps (PSEC) was established in 2005, on an independent basis within the Irish Prison Service, to provide a prisoner escorting service. PSEC is sub divided into three regional areas, namely Munster, Connaught and Leinster, headquartered in Cloverhill Prison in Co. Dublin. [Ulster is incorporated into area of Connaught and Leinster.]

PSEC is a dedicated corps of staff, whose task is to escort prisoners to and from court and to other scheduled and necessary engagements in the community. ie. Hospital Appointments. The profile of the unit includes 58 cellular vehicles of varying capacity which enables the corps to securely transport prisoners of all security categories, throughout the State.
The staff also man the dock in courts throughout the country and specialise in providing a highly efficient service as a support to prison operations.

The Department of Justice confirm that they have been made aware of the claims and have organised investigations into the allegations.

Stash Of Illegal Fireworks Seized In Roscrea Co. Tipperary.

Today, Gardaí from Roscrea and Nenagh Garda Station, both assisted by the Southern Region Dog Unit, searched a property in Roscrea Town, North Co. Tipperary.
This search resulted in the seizure of a stash of Illegal fireworks.

Investigations are on-going and a file will now be sent to the DPP for further directions.

As pointed out earlier on Thurles.Info, today An Garda Síochána will launch “Operation Tombola” on October 1st, 2023, latter their annual strategy to combat the importation, sale and use of fireworks. This operation seeks to create an awareness of the legislation which prevents the possession of unlicensed fireworks, but moreover to increase understanding of the harm that can arise from their use.
An Garda Síochána will work with their partners and stakeholders to implement a strategy as we approach Halloween to keep people safe from the dangers of fireworks.

Drug Carrying Panamanian Registered Cargo Vessel Forcefully Impounded Of Cork Coast.

Gardaí have confirmed that they are fully satisfied that there is a substantial quantity of drugs located on board a Panamanian registered cargo vessel, forcefully impounded today by the Army Ranger Wing and Gardaí off the coast of Co. Cork.

Detained in Irish waters as it attempted to sail into international waters; the cargo ship was taken by force in a major military operation using armed Gardaí and trained members of the Army Ranger Wing, aided by the Naval Service.
Latter were forced to board the ‘MV MATTHEW‘, which is now being escorted into the port of Cork.
It is understood that the ship failed to stop and comply with directions to allow Irish authorities to board the vessel, hence military personnel were engaged to ‘fast rope’ on to the container ship’s deck, from the air.

Irish authorities believe that the ship is involved in trafficking cocaine across the Atlantic Ocean, before transferring it to smaller ships, for distribution to different European markets.

A second smaller boat, described as a fishing trawler, remains wedged on a sandbank since yesterday, positioned approximately 12km north of Rosslare harbour.

Originating from Latin America; today’s seizure represent a blow to the organised crime gangs and remains a part of Ireland’s continued investigation into international drug smuggling operations.
Today’s seizure is understood to have been destined for here in Ireland and other European markets and is a reflection of the amount of money willingly paid by drug addicts and casual drug users currently resident in Ireland and Europe as a whole.

Security & Protection Review Announced For Oireachtas Members & Staff Working On Oireachtas Campus.

Security & Protection Review Announced For Oireachtas Members & Staff Working On Oireachtas Campus

The Garda Commissioner is to undertake a new security and protection review of TDs, senators, their staff and people working on the Oireachtas campus.

The chairs of the respective parliamentary parties and parliamentary groupings in the Oireachtas, and representatives of the staff and media working in Leinster House, will be asked to contribute to the review and will be met with, as part of this process.

This will allow those working in the Oireachtas to give their views on general security and protection, including their work in their constituencies, as well as on the security approach to parliamentary set days, such as Budget Day and the first sitting of Dáil terms.

This review will be concluded by the end of October and full details will be provided to the Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee TD .

Officials have been asked to examine whether existing legislation is sufficient to deal with intimidation centred on our democratic institutions, including consultation with the Attorney General on this matter.

The Commissioner’s review will also feed into other work being carried out under the auspices of the Oireachtas and elsewhere, such as:-

The Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life.
A review of security announced this week by the Ceann Comhairle.
The potential impact of the new security allowance for members of the Oireachtas, which was introduced earlier this year.

An Garda Síochána constantly monitors the security of elected representatives.

A recent assessment of security for office holders has led to increased protection over recent years and each Garda Division has a Crime Prevention Officer who is qualified and tasked to liaise with and provide advice to elected representatives.

Serious justifiable concerns have arisen in light of the recent incidents involving protests.

Cannabis Herb Valued At €30,000 Seized In Dundrum, Co. Tipperary.

A man has appeared before Ennis District Court this afternoon, following the seizure by Gardaí, of cannabis herb, with an estimated street value of over €30,000.
The cannabis herb was seized in the Dundrum area of Co. Tipperary yesterday.
Investigations are currently ongoing in relation to this seizure.