ATTEMPTS by An Garda Síochána to clamp down on illegal hunting in Clare has resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash and stolen power tools in Ennistymon.
Raids were carried out by Gardaí at Ennistymon Garda Station on Friday. This was part of Operation Lexi where the searches were carried out under warrant.
Gardaí were joined by customs and revenue officers along with staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in the multi-agency operation conducted across Ennistymon.
Items used for illegal hunting, suspected cocaine, cash and stolen power tools were seized following the searches. The checkpoints were formed in response to an increasing amount of illegal hunting of animals across North and West Clare.
Suspected cocaine with a value of €2,500
Was also obtained along with a substantial amount of cash. Power tools suspected to be stolen and equipment used for illegal hunting were also uncovered as part of Operation Lexi.
Members of the phlox with further information are asked to contact An Garda Síochána. “We are appealing for the public to come forward if they recognise any of the same. Please contact Ennistymon Garda Station on 0657072180”.
Ongoing checkpoints are underway in the Clare Tipperary Garda Division as part of Operation Lexi between Gardaí and the NPWS.
Flagging the matter in November, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said groups were trespassing on farmers land in Doonbeg, Liscannor and Loop Head for the last three years carrying out illegal hunting. “From Loop Head to North Clare it is happening and getting worse, the farmers have been told they can’t come out with a gun, there will be a Paraic Lally situation if this is let happen, we have to stand up for these landowners and farmers”.
