*Photograph: Gary Collins
IN CLARE, people who believe there are members of their community who don’t have any apparent means to support their lavish lifestyle can now contact the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) on 01 6663266 and CAB will carry out a detailed fraud profile on the individual(s). Cllr Johnny Flynn is encouraging Clare residents to report any suspicious activity on an anonymous basis. “You now have a confidential avenue to report your suspicions of dealing in drugs, insurance fraud, extortion or other organised criminal activity. Separately in Clare, Garda has recently committed to doubling the number of Garda working in its drug squad in the new year,” says the Ennis councillor. Cllr Flynn says drug lords and gang members tend to flaunt their wealth to cement their status. This behaviour in towns like Ennis is being brought to the attention of CAB on a confidential basis by members of the public which leads to investigations and convictions. While CAB has made the headlines
for seizures in Dublin and other cities, the unit has increased their staff by 20 per cent to assist in the seizure of ill-gotten gains around the country. Cllr Flynn adds, “Having met and spoken to the head of CAB, Detective Chief Supt. Pat Clavin, I’m encouraged that CAB confiscated materials worth €14 million last year and that the number of seizures nearly tripled. CAB has become more active outside the cities with at least 10 investigations currently underway in Ennis and Clare. “Drug activity and organised crime lead to 45% of the serious crime reported in Clare occurring in Ennis District. I understand that there have been 24 assaults causing harm and 73 minor assaults in the last nine months in Ennis District which are an indication of the increased negative impact of the level of drug related issues, organised crime and petty criminals. I’m repeating my call at the upcoming Ennis Municipal District meeting for the re-establishment of an Ennis Joint Police Committee or Forum which would enable community, business and local politicians to closely partner with Garda and CAB to deal with the crime trend and drugs issues particular to Ennis and surrounding district.”
