Man jailed for 21 years for gun smuggling plot
29 Jun 2010
A 36 years old man has received a 21 year jail sentence for his part in an international plot to smuggle guns from Holland to organised crime gangs in Ireland.
Paul Edward Meehan, from County Kildare, was arrested after a protracted investigation by PSNI Organised Crime Branch, An Garda Siochana, and the Dutch police.
Speaking outside Laganside Courts in Belfast, County Antrim, Detective Superintendent Essie Adair of the PSNI Organised Crime Branch, said a successful international law enforcement partnership ensured that the streets of Northern Ireland and Europe are safer with these guns out of circulation.
“I am delighted that this very dangerous criminal has been sent to jail, for a very long time.
“I think this sends out a very clear message that international organised crime will not be tolerated," he said.
Detective Superintendent Adair also paid tribute to his colleagues in An Garda Siochana (Irish Police) and in the Dutch police.
"Without them and their co-operation the investigation could not have progressed and it shows that when we all work together, the results are significant," he said.
