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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Dan Grennan

North Dublin family home turned into 'drug cartel HQ' through intimidation

A family home was turned into a "headquarters for a drug cartel" through intimidation, the Dail has heard.

The north Dublin property was fitted with bulletproof glass and CCTV after the occupants were intimated, Deputy Paul McAuliffe said.

A 29-year-old father-of-one was shot dead at the weekend in a "gangland assassination" last weekend as tensions flared in Finglas.

Read more: James Whelan gang vow revenge over Finglas fatal shooting

Gardai believe James Whelan, who was named in court as being a member of an organised crime gang, was targeted by associates of Kinahan-linked mobster Mr Flashy.

The Fianna Fail TD said the "gangland assassination" came after weeks of turmoil in the community.

He said: "We had one family home where people were intimidated so it could be turned into a headquarters for a drug cartel and retrofitted with bulletproof glass and CCTV.

"This follows weeks in which other people have been murdered following the discharge of an illegal firearm.

"We have had homes that have been petrol-bombed or suffered other arson attacks. We have had a kidnapping. We have had social media platforms being used by rival gangs to issue threats."

Deputy McAuliffe called on the Taoiseach to condemn the illegal drug industry.

He said: "There are many people in my community wondering what is coming at them next due to these actions by the rival gangs. Will the Taoiseach join me in condemning this illegal drug industry and what it is doing to my community?

"Will he raise these matters with the Garda Commissioner? There is a good history of success when Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána work together to tackle some of these issues. More resources would benefit that."

The violence may be just beginning as Whelan’s gang have vowed revenge over his murder as they pinpointed the blame on one of Mr Flashy’s close associates.

Pals of the 29-year-old drug dealer took to social media to pay tribute to him, and declared: “We will finish this for you bro once and for all.”

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