Ireland Case No. 0247Possession of firearms, possession of ammunition, possession of drugs for sale or supply, simple possession of drugs · Co. Limerick · 22 Sep 2026
Taxi driver further remanded over firearms and drugs charges in Limerick
On 22 September 2026, gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit searched a rented bedroom at Haymarket, Cathedral Place, Limerick city under warrant and seized four Glock 19 pistols, 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, four magazines, suspected cannabis edibles worth over €127,000, cocaine worth €3,790, and a quantity of cash. John O'Neill, a 64-year-old taxi driver, was arrested later that day at Roxboro Road and charged on 23 September with five firearms offences and two drug offences. He appeared before Judge Patricia Harney at Limerick District Court on 24 September, where bail was refused and he was remanded in custody. He was further remanded on 4 October while awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested22 Sep
4 reports - Charged23 Sep
2 reports - In court24 Sep
5 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Four Glock 19 semi-automatic pistols, 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, and four magazines were seized from a locked rented bedroom.
- Suspected cannabis edibles worth over €127,000 (reported as over €120,000 in some sources) and cocaine worth €3,790 (reported as €4,500 in some sources) along with a quantity of cash were also seized.
- Where
- The search was conducted at a rented bedroom at Haymarket, Cathedral Place, Limerick city.
- When
- The search took place on 22 September 2026.
- Cause
- The operation was part of investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region.
- Investigation
- The operation was conducted by the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit assisted by other regional and local units.
- John O'Neill, a 64-year-old taxi driver, was arrested at Roxboro Road, Limerick city, and detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
- The seized firearms are to undergo further technical analysis and the drugs are to be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland.
- Charges
- O'Neill was charged on 23 September with five offences under Section 27(a)(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1964 and two drug offences, and is not charged in relation to the cannabis edibles.
- In court
- O'Neill appeared before Judge Patricia Harney at Limerick District Court on 24 September, where bail was refused and he was remanded in custody.
- Sentence
- O'Neill was further remanded in custody on 4 October 2026 while awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Other details
- O'Neill admitted he had locked the bedroom and was the only person with access to it.
130 statements extracted from the articles
- whatFour firearms were seized from the residence. (garda.ie)
- whatAmmunition was seized alongside the firearms. (garda.ie)
- whatSuspected cannabis edibles with an estimated value of over €127,000 were seized. (garda.ie)
- whatSuspected cocaine with an estimated value of €4,500 was seized. (garda.ie)
- whatA quantity of cash was seized. (garda.ie, limerickleader.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí seized four firearms and ammunition. (rte.ie)
- whatDrugs worth over €131,500 were seized. (rte.ie)
- whatCannabis edibles and cocaine were seized. (rte.ie)
- whatA quantity of cash was recovered. (rte.ie)
- whatFour semi-automatic handguns were seized (irishmirror.ie)
- whatAmmunition was seized (irishmirror.ie)
- whatCannabis edibles worth over €127,000 were seized (irishmirror.ie)
- whatCocaine worth €4,500 was seized (irishmirror.ie)
- whatFour firearms and over €131,500 of drugs were seized in Limerick city (garda.ie)
- whatSuspected cannabis edibles worth over €127,000, suspected cocaine worth €4,500 and a quantity of cash were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatJohn O’Neill, 64, appeared before Limerick District Court. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatA taxi driver was refused bail after appearing in court. (limerickpost.ie)
- whatO’Neill is a Limerick taxi driver. (irishtimes.com)
- whatFour pistols were seized during the search. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatThirteen rounds of ammunition and four ammunition magazines were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatSuspected cannabis edibles with an estimated value of over €120,000 were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatSuspected cocaine with a value of €3,790 was seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatA quantity of cash was also seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatThe items were found in a locked bedroom. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereA domestic residence in Limerick city was searched under warrant. (garda.ie)
- whereGardaí searched a house in the Limerick city area. (rte.ie)
- whereA domestic residence was searched under warrant as part of the operation. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe operation was conducted in Limerick city on the Tuesday. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe operation took place in Limerick city (irishmirror.ie)
- whereA domestic residence was searched under warrant (irishmirror.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe accused has an address in Cathedral Place, Limerick. (rte.ie)
- whereA domestic residence was searched under warrant in Limerick city. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe search was of his address at Haymarket, Cathedral Place, Limerick City. (limerickpost.ie)
- whereGardaí searched O’Neill’s address at Haymarket, Cathedral Place, Limerick City. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe search took place at a property at Haymarket, Cathedral Place, Limerick city. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereHe was later arrested at Roxboro Road. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe search took place on 22 September 2026. (rte.ie)
- whenThe operation was carried out on 22 September 2026 (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe seizure took place on 22 September 2026 (garda.ie)
- whenThe Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit operation took place on Tuesday, 22 September. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe search of the accused's rented accommodation took place on 22 September. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenGardaí executed a search warrant on the Tuesday before the court appearance. (limerickpost.ie)
- whenThe search took place on September 22nd. (irishtimes.com)
- causeThe search was part of an investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the region. (rte.ie)
- causeThe operation formed part of investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region. (limerickleader.ie)
- weaponFour firearms were seized, along with ammunition. (limerickleader.ie)
- weaponFour firearms and ammunition were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- weaponThe search found four 9mm Luger Glock 19 pistols. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationThe operation was conducted by the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit assisted by other regional and local units. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe seized firearms will be subject to further technical analysis. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe seized drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations into the matter are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- investigationA man in his 60s was arrested. (rte.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe arrested man is being held at a Garda station in Limerick city. (rte.ie)
- investigationGardaí say their investigations are ongoing. (rte.ie)
- investigationThe firearms will be subject to further technical analysis. (limerickleader.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe suspect is detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit and other units conducted the operation (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe crackdown was aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal drugs in the Midwest (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationInvestigations remain ongoing (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationA male in his 60s was arrested in connection with the investigation (garda.ie)
- investigationThe seizure was part of investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe firearms will undergo further technical analysis. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe bedroom rented by the accused was searched by gardaí under warrant. (rte.ie)
- investigationThe accused was formally arrested at Henry Street Garda Station. (rte.ie)
- investigationFour pistols, 13 rounds of ammunition and four magazines were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationSuspected cannabis edibles worth over €120,000, suspected cocaine worth €3,790 and cash were also seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationO’Neill was not present during the search but was later arrested at Roxboro Road. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe O’Neill is involved in distributing controlled drugs and firearms for sale or supply. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationA detective garda gave evidence of arresting and charging him on Wednesday, September 23. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationHe was not present in the room when gardai raided it and was arrested later while driving a car at Roxboro Road. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationThe search was carried out by gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí found the Glock pistols, ammunition, four gun magazines and 37.9g of cocaine in the bedroom. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationO’Neill was arrested later while driving a car at Roxboro Road in Limerick city. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationAfter his arrest, O’Neill admitted he had locked the bedroom and was the only person with access to it. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe search was part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe he is involved in the distribution of controlled drugs and firearms for sale or supply. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed if he is convicted. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe search was conducted by gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by other regional and local units. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeThe suspect has been charged (garda.ie)
- chargeGardaí confirmed that the man has been charged. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with possessing four Glock handguns and 13 rounds of ammunition on 22 September. (rte.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with possessing cocaine worth €3,790. (rte.ie)
- chargeHe is also charged with possession of the drugs for sale or supply. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused made no reply when charged and cautioned with the offences. (rte.ie)
- chargeO’Neill is facing seven charges in relation to the seizure. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeO’Neill is not charged in relation to the suspected cannabis edibles. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with five offences under Section 27 (a) (1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1964. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeThe firearms charges include four counts of possession of four Glock Luger pistols and one count of possession of 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeHe is also charged with possessing cocaine for sale or supply worth €3,790 and with simple possession of cocaine. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeO’Neill is charged with five offences under Section 27 (a) (1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1964. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeO’Neill is charged with possession of four Glock Luger pistols. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeO’Neill is charged with possession of 13 rounds of 9mm Luger calibre CBC ammunition. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeO’Neill is charged with possessing €3,790 worth of cocaine for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeO’Neill is charged with simple possession of cocaine. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is not charged in relation to the suspected cannabis edibles, which are subject of further analysis. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe suspect is due to appear at Limerick District Court on 24 September 2026 at 10:30 am (garda.ie)
- courtThe man is due to appear before Limerick District Court on Thursday, 24 September. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtGardaí objected to bail being granted. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Patricia Harney refused bail given the serious nature of the charges. (rte.ie)
- courtThe accused was remanded in custody to appear again on Tuesday, 29 September. (rte.ie)
- courtO’Neill was refused bail at Limerick District Court. (limerickleader.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtDPP directions are outstanding and a file is being prepared by investigating gardaí. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe judge refused bail because of the seriousness of the charges. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe judge was Patricia Harney. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtThe judge was satisfied to refuse bail. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtDetective Garda Declan O’Halloran objected to bail, saying he firmly believed O’Neill would commit serious offences if released. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was before Judge Patricia Harney. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge granted O’Neill legal aid. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceO’Neill was remanded in custody and will next appear on 29 September. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceHe was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on September 29th. (limerickpost.ie)
- sentenceO’Neill was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on September 29th. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA man in his 60s was arrested and conveyed to a Garda Station in Limerick city. (garda.ie)
- otherThe man is being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. (garda.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- otherSuspected cannabis edibles worth over €127,000 were seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherSuspected cocaine worth €4,500 was seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherA man aged in his 60s was arrested and taken to a garda station in Limerick city. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherA man in his 60s was arrested and taken to a garda station in Limerick city. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe man was detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe accused is a 64-year-old taxi driver. (rte.ie)
- otherO’Neill is not charged with being a member of any criminal organisation. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherHe made no reply to the charges. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherGardaí said he made admissions that he had locked the bedroom and was the only person with access to it. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherGardaí forced open the door of a bedroom rented by O’Neill in the city. (irishtimes.com)
- otherO’Neill’s solicitor argued that remand in prison would cause him hardship. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHe made no reply when arrested. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherHe was detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Oct2026Limerick taxi driver facing drugs and guns charges remanded further
Further remand at a procedural hearing while awaiting DPP directions; details of the seizure, bail refusal and the accused's admission as a regular cannabis user are provided.
accused, John O'Neill, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Neill - 24 Sep2026Gardaí found guns, ammunition and drugs in taxi driver’s bedroom, court told
Reports the bail hearing at Limerick District Court where O'Neill was remanded in custody; details the search, items seized, his admissions, and the DPP directions date of 29 September 2026.
accused, John O'Neill, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Neill - 24 Sep2026No bail for taxi driver charged with having four guns, ammunition, and drugs
First report of this case: bail refused at Limerick District Court on 24 September 2026, with charges, search details, the garda evidence and the remand date.
accused, John O'Neill, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Neill - 24 Sep2026Limerick taxi driver in court over drugs and guns seizure refused bail
Reports the bail refusal and remand of John O’Neill at Limerick District Court on 24 September 2026, the seizure details, the seven charges he faces, and the detective's evidence opposing bail.
accused, John O'Neill, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Neill - 24 Sep2026Man charged over firearms and drugs seizure in Limerick
Adds the charge details (4 Glock handguns, 13 rounds, cocaine worth €3,790 with possession for sale or supply), the warrant search of the rented bedroom, the arrest at Henry Street Garda Station, and that the judge refused bail and remanded him in custody to 29 September. Gardaí objected to bail. Stage remains court.
accused, John O'Neill, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Neill - 24 Sep2026LATEST: Man (60s) to appear in Limerick court after handguns and drugs seizure
First report of this case. It gives the seizure details, the arrest and charge of a man in his 60s, and his scheduled court appearance on 24 September.
accused, 60s, male - 23 Sep202623/09/2026 Update (1) Court Appearance - Four firearms and over €131,500 of drugs seized, Limerick city, Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Confirms the suspect has been charged and provides his court appearance date and time at Limerick District Court.
suspect, 60s, male - 23 Sep2026Man, 60s, arrested after Garda swoop nets deadly handguns, ammunition and drugs
Initial Garda press release confirming four semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, cannabis edibles worth over €127,000, cocaine worth €4,500 and cash seized; suspect detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007; firearms to undergo technical analysis and drugs to be sent to FSI.
suspect, 60s, male - 22 Sep2026Four handguns and over €131,500 of drugs seized in major garda raid in Limerick
Reports the Limerick city search, the firearms and drugs seized, and the arrest of a man in his 60s, who is detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. No charge is reported.
suspect, 60s, male - 22 Sep2026Man arrested after guns and drugs seized in Limerick
Original report of the search and arrest. Adds the firearms seizure, the drugs value of over €131,500, the cash recovered and the arrest. Does not match case 7966, which concerns a different seizure of cocaine worth €275,000 on 21 September.
suspect, 60s, male - 22 Sep202622/09/2026 Arrest - Four firearms and over €131,500 of drugs seized, Limerick city, Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Initial Garda press release reporting the arrest and seizure following a drugs operation in Limerick city.
suspect, 60s, male