Man held over Dundalk cash and carry raid

A man has been arrested in connection with an armed raid on a cash and carry in Dundalk that has been linked to dissident republicans…

A man has been arrested in connection with an armed raid on a cash and carry in Dundalk that has been linked to dissident republicans.

Cigarettes valued at over €260,000 and around €80,000 in cash was stolen by the armed gang in December 2001.

A 57-year-old man was arrested at his home near Dunleer, Co Louth at 6.30 a.m. today and taken to Dundalk Garda Station for questioning.

Five people, including a garda on suspension, have already been arrested in connection with the robbery.

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Gardaí believe up to 15 men and a woman were involved in the incident.

Two men and a woman dressed as gardaí went into the Value Centre and asked for the manager. Another gang of masked robbers then arrived, took the keys, and looted the store room.

Workers were tied up and beaten by the gang before the store room was cleared of its stock of cigarettes, which were driven away in three vans. Some staff received medical treatment for cuts and bruises.

Both the "Real IRA", whose power-base is in Co Louth, and the Provisional IRA are suspected of being heavily involved in cigarette smuggling.

Kilian Doyle

Kilian Doyle

Kilian Doyle is an Assistant News Editor at The Irish Times