Thurles Information

A male aged in his 30s, has been arrested and detained by Gardaí, following a search of a property in Tipperary Town undertaken earlier today.

Cannabis with an approximate street value of €3,500 was seized, together with €4,450 in cash.

We understand that the initial search was undertaken by members from Tipperary Town Drugs Unit, assisted by the Cork Garda Dog Unit and the Divisional Crime Task Force.

We also understand that the suspected dealer has since been released and a file will now be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP).

Revenue seize drugs worth €194,000, some of which were bound for Co. Tipperary.

Yesterday (02/03/2022), as a result of routine profiling, Revenue officers, examining parcels at two premises in Dublin, seized just over 6.9 kgs of various types of drugs including herbal cannabis, cannabis resin, heroin, methamphetamine, butane honey oil and hash cakes; all with an estimated value of approximately €194,000.

The illegal drugs were discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Sam and Bailey, concealed in parcels labelled as ‘stickers’, ‘pet clothes’, ‘clothes’, ‘pencils’, ‘shoes’ and ‘antique glassware’.

Same originated in the United States, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom and were destined for addresses in Tipperary, Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Cork, Limerick, Clare and Longford.

Investigations remain ongoing.

The above seizures remain part of Revenue’s ongoing operations, targeting the importation of illegal drugs. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

It was with sadness that we learned of the death today, Friday 25th February 2022, of 76 year old, retired Detective Mr Ben O’Sullivan, Old Park Road, Corbally, Co Limerick and formerly of Mallow, Co. Cork.

Mr O’Sullivan had survived an IRA gun attack in Adare, Co. Limerick on the morning of June 7th 1996, almost 26 years ago; a heinous event that resulted, sadly, in the death of his colleague Detective Mr Jerry McCabe.

Both men were accompanying a post office cash van, when they were attacked, by a four man gang of IRA criminals.
Retired Detective O’Sullivan, who had been ill for a short time, is today survived by his wife Anne, his son and two daughters.

In a press statement today on behalf of the Irish nation, Minister for justice Mrs Helen McEntee, stated:
“Like so many people, I was deeply saddened today to hear of the death of Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan.

In this centenary year of An Garda Síochána, there is little doubt that Ben O’Sullivan represented the very best of its values, service and bravery.
Twice awarded a Gold Scott medal, Ben served his country with great courage and valour, selflessly taking on the burden of protecting all of us from danger. We thank him for his unstinting service and we mourn his passing.

The horrific attack on Mr O’Sullivan and his partner; latter the late Detective Garda Mr Jerry McCabe, on June 7th 1996, was one of the most sickening attacks on Garda members, in the history of the State.

While Mr McCabe’s life was taken instantly, Mr O’Sullivan was shot eleven times and left with serious injuries, along with the devastating loss of his great friend.

The Irish people will never forget that day and the bravery of both men and all their colleagues.

On behalf of the Government and my Department, I send my deepest sympathies to Mr O’Sullivan‘s wife Anne, their children and grandchildren, and all his many friends and colleagues in An Garda Síochána.”

Note: Detective O’Sullivan was given the Freedom of the City of Limerick in June 2018; with same also awarded posthumously to Detective Jerry McCabe.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.