Crime « Thurles Information

Coroner Issues Urgent Alert Over Rising Threat of Nitazene Opioids.

Dangerous ‘nitazene’ opioids are on the rise in Ireland and researchers are worried. Be aware!

An Ireland coroner has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating dangers posed by nitazenes, latter a ‘new to the market’ and a highly potent group of synthetic opioids, now increasingly linked to sudden deaths across the region.

The alert follows the inquest into the death of 33-year-old Portadown man, Mr Jay Woolsey, who died in August 2024. During the hearing, the coroner stressed that nitazenes are far stronger than previously understood, in some cases hundreds or even thousands of times more potent than morphine. Since late 2023, these substances have been entering the drug market in Ireland and at speed.

Authorities warn that the potency of nitazenes varies significantly, with some similar in strength to heroin while others far exceed the power of fentanyl. This inconsistency creates a dangerously high risk of accidental overdose. Compounding the threat, nitazenes have been identified in drugs typically seen as non-opioid substances, including MDMA, ketamine and benzodiazepines, thus placing unsuspecting users at severe risk.
Note: Fentanyl test strips do not detect nitazenes.

The physical effects mirror those of other opioids and can include:

Euphoria or a dreamlike state.
Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness.
Itchiness.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Slow or difficult breathing.
Blue lips or fingertips.
Cold, clammy skin‘
Pinpoint pupils.

To date, ten additional nitazene-related deaths have been recorded across the North of Ireland, many involving polydrug use. The coroner noted that families are often unaware that loved ones are sourcing dangerous substances online or via the dark web.

Public Health Agencies and police have reiterated serious concerns about nitazenes being mixed with heroin and other drugs, often without users’ knowledge, sharply increasing the potential for fatal overdose.

Public health agencies and support services are now being urged to take immediate action, including:

Strengthening early-warning systems and enhancing monitoring of emerging synthetic opioids, ensuring rapid information-sharing across health, Gardaí, justice and community sectors.
Improving multi-agency cooperation to enable fast, coordinated responses to overdose spikes and new drug threats.
Expanding rapid-access treatment options and ensuring families affected by overdose receive timely, appropriate support.
Issuing clear and consistent public alerts when nitazenes are detected and promoting practical harm-reduction guidance for drug users and their families.
Making nitazene test strips available through harm-reduction and outreach services to help identify contamination and prevent further deaths.

Authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical help if signs of opioid overdose are present.

Public Warning Issued Over ‘Family Member’ Text Scam.

Public Warning Issued Over the old ‘Family Member’ Text Messaging Scam occurring in Co. Tipperary today.

Gardaí are warning members of the public to be on alert following an increase in fraudulent text messages, “See picture here on right”, same claiming to be from a son or daughter in need of assistance.

In these scams, recipients are urged to save a number and begin messaging, believing they are communicating with their child. The exchanges are designed to extract personal information and build trust. Before long, the victim is asked to send a small sum of money, typically around €20, with further attempts made to obtain additional funds and sensitive details.

Gardaí are advising the public that, if they receive any such message, they should block the number, report it, and not respond under any circumstances.

Former Tipperary Soldier Denies Murder Of Retired Army Captain.

A 67-year-old former Defence Forces member has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his long-time friend and retired army Captain, Mr Patrick O’Mahony, who was found shot dead at his home in Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, in February of 2024.

Mr Thomas Carroll, of Brookway, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, entered the plea at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick, where a jury of nine men and three women has been sworn in.

Opening the prosecution case, Mr Dean Kelly SC said Mr O’Mahony, aged 84, was a respected firearms dealer and former FCA and Defence Forces member, who retired as a Captain with an exemplary record. He had been widowed three months before his death.

The court heard that Mr Carroll, also a retired soldier with an excellent service record, travelled from Co. Tipperary to visit Mr O’Mahony for the weekend. The two men socialised together on the Friday and Saturday.

Mr Kelly said Mr Carroll contacted Mr O’Mahony’s son early on the Sunday morning claiming his father had suffered a fall. However, a post mortem later confirmed Mr O’Mahony died from a single close-range gunshot wound, thus prompting a murder investigation.

The prosecution alleges that events between the two friends “took a foul turn” and that Mr Carroll pointed a handgun at Mr O’Mahony with intent to kill or cause serious harm. It is further alleged that Mr Carroll’s account of a fall was “self-serving”.

The trial is ongoing.

Gardaí Arrest Three People Following Possible Murder Of Former Tipperary Resident.

Gardaí have arrested three individuals as part of their ongoing investigation into the possible murder of Mr William Delaney, who has been missing for almost seven years.

Two women, aged in their 30s and 50s, and a man in his 30s, were detained earlier today. They are currently being held at garda stations in the Midlands and Southwest regions under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Mr Delaney, originally from Co. Tipperary, had been living in Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance. On the morning of January 30th 2019, the 56-year-old left Portlaoise General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, before collecting his welfare payment at Portlaoise Post Office.

He was last seen at approximately 3:00pm that same day in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, after calling to the home of a relative on the old Cork–Dublin Road, directly opposite the Hazel Hotel. The relative was not at home, but Mr Delaney was observed outside the property. He was reported missing by his family on March 6th 2019.

In June 2019, gardaí received credible information suggesting that Mr Delaney had been murdered and that his remains had been buried at a location in Co. Laois. A large-scale search operation was subsequently carried out in the vicinity of the Rock of Dunamase; however, no remains were located.

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information relating to the disappearance or murder of William Delaney to come forward.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Gardaí Warn Retailers After €185,000 In Fake €50 Notes Seized.

An Garda Síochána is advising all retailers across Tipperary, and further afield, to be extra vigilant following the seizure of 3,695 counterfeit €50 notes in a Dublin 8 operation, with a face-value of €184,750.

The seized notes are now being examined by the Garda National Technical Bureau. While no arrests have yet been made, investigations into organised criminal networks are ongoing.

Key Advice for Retailers:
(1) Use the “Feel-Look-Tilt” test to check banknotes.
(2) Be alert to customers using large-denomination notes for small purchases, a common tactic used to get real change back.
(3) If you suspect a note is fake, retain it safely (don’t return it to the customer), and call your local Garda station.
(4) Report any counterfeits immediately, not only €50 notes, but all euro denominations.

Why This Matters:
Counterfeit notes can inflict significant losses, especially on smaller businesses. By staying alert and following simple checks, staff can help prevent fraud and protect both their business and customers.