18/06/2009
Gang War Feared Over Latest Murder
Last night's fatal shooting in Dublin has sparked fears of a bloody 'turf-war' between rival drug gangs.
Gardaí at Coolock were called to the murder scene at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday.
They said that a 20-year-old man was gunned down on a so-called 'halting site' in north Dublin's Grove Lane, off Malahide Road, and although he was removed to Beaumont Hospital, the victim died a short time later.
Overnight, the scene was preserved pending a full technical examination and investigations are ongoing.
However, now that he has been identified as known drug dealer, Thomas Joyce, fears were growing today that a feud between rival factions in Dublin would escalate.
He is in fact the 15th gun murder victim of the year and it has been reported that Mr Joyce - a member of the travelling community - was well known to gardaí and a member of a big, well-organised drug trafficking gang.
Earlier this year the Criminal Assets Bureau succeed in having two cars seized from the victim after the High Court found they were purchased from the proceeds of crime.
A large quantity of cocaine, cannabis, firearms and ammunition have also been recovered during raids in and around the halting site on Grove Lane on the Malahide Road in recent years.
It is understood Joyce had tried to outrun his killer as he was pursued by the gunman in a car at around 7.30pm.
A post mortem will be carried out today.
Forensic officers will also painstakingly search the crime scene for clues, while detectives try to establish an exact motive for the attack.
It has also emerged that Mr Joyce was murdered close to where the body of drug dealer David Fred Lynch was found in undergrowth on March 30.
It is believed the 26-year-old, from Ferrycarrig in Coolock, had been shot as part of a localised drugs feud.
Five weeks later his former associate, BJ Clarke, was gunned down after being targeted in an Artane underground car park.
The 21-year-old had also been shot in the leg the night before Lynch's killing.
(BMcC/NS)
Gardaí at Coolock were called to the murder scene at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday.
They said that a 20-year-old man was gunned down on a so-called 'halting site' in north Dublin's Grove Lane, off Malahide Road, and although he was removed to Beaumont Hospital, the victim died a short time later.
Overnight, the scene was preserved pending a full technical examination and investigations are ongoing.
However, now that he has been identified as known drug dealer, Thomas Joyce, fears were growing today that a feud between rival factions in Dublin would escalate.
He is in fact the 15th gun murder victim of the year and it has been reported that Mr Joyce - a member of the travelling community - was well known to gardaí and a member of a big, well-organised drug trafficking gang.
Earlier this year the Criminal Assets Bureau succeed in having two cars seized from the victim after the High Court found they were purchased from the proceeds of crime.
A large quantity of cocaine, cannabis, firearms and ammunition have also been recovered during raids in and around the halting site on Grove Lane on the Malahide Road in recent years.
It is understood Joyce had tried to outrun his killer as he was pursued by the gunman in a car at around 7.30pm.
A post mortem will be carried out today.
Forensic officers will also painstakingly search the crime scene for clues, while detectives try to establish an exact motive for the attack.
It has also emerged that Mr Joyce was murdered close to where the body of drug dealer David Fred Lynch was found in undergrowth on March 30.
It is believed the 26-year-old, from Ferrycarrig in Coolock, had been shot as part of a localised drugs feud.
Five weeks later his former associate, BJ Clarke, was gunned down after being targeted in an Artane underground car park.
The 21-year-old had also been shot in the leg the night before Lynch's killing.
(BMcC/NS)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 July 2008
Council Clamps Down On Oxegen
Councillors have clamped down on the Oxegen organisers, imposing 56 extra guidelines following reports of slack security during last year’s event.
Council Clamps Down On Oxegen
Councillors have clamped down on the Oxegen organisers, imposing 56 extra guidelines following reports of slack security during last year’s event.
03 November 2011
National Drugs And Alcohol Strategy In Focus
The misuse of drugs is firmly in the spotlight today with Róisín Shortall, Minister of State with responsibility for Drugs Strategy, speaking at the opening of the National Drugs Conference of Ireland under the theme 'Drug Interventions: What Works?' She said: "It is very important that the initiatives we take to address problem drug use are effect
National Drugs And Alcohol Strategy In Focus
The misuse of drugs is firmly in the spotlight today with Róisín Shortall, Minister of State with responsibility for Drugs Strategy, speaking at the opening of the National Drugs Conference of Ireland under the theme 'Drug Interventions: What Works?' She said: "It is very important that the initiatives we take to address problem drug use are effect
17 December 2010
Gardaí Arrest 45 In Major Drugs Operation
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and “crack” cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Gardaí Arrest 45 In Major Drugs Operation
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and “crack” cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
12 April 2017
New Powers Allow For Roadside Drug Testing
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross has announced the commencement of the drug driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2016. One of the key measures in the legislation provides for Preliminary Drug Testing, which will enable Gardaí to test motorists whom they suspect of driving under the influence of drugs at the roadside.
New Powers Allow For Roadside Drug Testing
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross has announced the commencement of the drug driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2016. One of the key measures in the legislation provides for Preliminary Drug Testing, which will enable Gardaí to test motorists whom they suspect of driving under the influence of drugs at the roadside.
05 April 2012
Decrease of 14.6% In New Private Cars Licensed
There were 10,581 new private cars licensed in March 2012, compared with 12,390 in March 2011, a decrease of 14.6%. The number of new goods vehicles licensed in March 2012 was 1,155 compared with 1,179 in the corresponding month last year - a decrease of 2.0%.
Decrease of 14.6% In New Private Cars Licensed
There were 10,581 new private cars licensed in March 2012, compared with 12,390 in March 2011, a decrease of 14.6%. The number of new goods vehicles licensed in March 2012 was 1,155 compared with 1,179 in the corresponding month last year - a decrease of 2.0%.