Ireland Case No. 21295Organised crime · Co. Limerick · 27 Apr 2023
Three men charged in Limerick organised crime searches
On Thursday 27 April 2023, gardaí carried out an intelligence-led operation targeting an organised crime group in the Limerick region, searching 18 properties in Limerick city and county and open land in Southill, and three men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested. Michael Kalinowski, a 36-year-old Polish national with an address at Clonunion Cottage, Adare, Co Limerick, was arrested at 11.57pm that night and on Friday 28 April appeared before Limerick District Court, where he was accused of possessing drugs and was remanded in custody with consent to bail. He is due back before the court on 2 May. A report on 2 May said the three men arrested had been charged.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested27 Apr
5 reports - Charged29 Apr
2 reports - In court28 Apr
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí carried out an intelligence-led operation targeting an organised crime group in the Limerick region, supported by Defence Forces troops.
- Michael Kalinowski, a 36-year-old Polish national with an address at Clonunion Cottage, Adare, Co Limerick, was arrested at 11.57pm on 27 April.
- When
- The searches and arrests took place on Thursday 27 April 2023.
- Where
- Sources give 17, 18 or up to 20 properties searched in Limerick city and county, and open land in Southill, Pallasgreen and Caherconlish was also searched.
- Cause
- The gang was suspected of involvement in the illegal drugs trade and other criminal activity, and the operation targeted its assets.
- Investigation
- Gardaí said the searches were part of an ongoing proceeds of crime investigation, and the investigation is continuing.
- Three men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested and detained at Garda stations in Limerick, and were described as associates, not members, of the gang.
- Other details
- Seized items included about €64,600 of suspected amphetamine, about €89,600 of suspected cannabis, about €76,580 in cash, a BMW, designer jewellery, electronic items and six shotgun cartridges.
- A further €18,000 held in credit union accounts was frozen.
- Gardaí suspect a senior associate of the gang, who is mostly based abroad, of money laundering for Limerick drugs gangs.
- Charges
- Kalinowski was charged with one count of possession of almost €80,000 of suspected drugs and one count of simple possession, and is accused of possessing €65,000 of amphetamine tablets and €14,500 of suspected cannabis at a location in Limerick on 27 April.
- A report dated 2 May said the three men who were arrested had been charged.
- In court
- On Friday 28 April he appeared before Limerick District Court, where he was remanded in custody with consent to bail on an independent surety of €2,000, of which €1,000 was to be lodged and approved by gardaí.
- Bail conditions include surrendering his passport, signing on daily at Roxboro Road Garda Station, and obeying a curfew, and he is due to appear again before Limerick District Court on 2 May.
97 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí were carrying out an intelligence-led operation targeting an organised crime group in the Limerick region. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatItems seized included a BMW, designer jewellery, electronic items and six shotgun cartridges. (irishtimes.com)
- whatAbout €76,580 in cash was recovered and a further €18,000 was frozen in credit union accounts. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- whatAn intelligence-led operation targeting organised criminal activity was carried out by gardaí supported by Defence Forces troops. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThree men were arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation targeting organised criminal activity in the Limerick region. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatA man appeared in court charged with drugs offences as part of a Garda operation targeting organised criminal activity in Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
- whereEighteen properties in Limerick city and county were searched. (rte.ie)
- whereTwo large areas of open land in the Southill area of Limerick city were also searched. (rte.ie)
- whereSeventeen property searches were being carried out across Limerick city and county. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereOpen areas of land in the Southill estate were also being searched. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereSearches took place across Limerick, including properties and lands in Southill, Pallasgreen and Caherconlish. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe organised crime group has its base in the Southill area of Limerick City. (irishtimes.com)
- where18 searches were carried out at 18 properties in Limerick City and County. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereGardaí searched properties and lands across Limerick. (limerickpost.ie)
- whereSearches were carried out at 18 properties across Limerick city and county. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe arrest was part of a Garda operation targeting organised criminal activity in the Limerick region. (thejournal.ie)
- whereHe gave an address at Clonunion Cottage, Adare, Co Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe man appeared at Limerick District Court. (limerickpost.ie)
- whereA total of 18 properties across the city and county were searched. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe operation was taking place on Thursday 27 April 2023. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe searches took place on a Thursday. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe operation took place on Thursday, which was 27 April 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe searches took place on Thursday. (limerickpost.ie)
- whenGardaí arrested Kalinowski at 11.57pm the day before the court appearance. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe drugs were allegedly possessed at a location in Limerick on Thursday, April 27th. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe drugs were allegedly possessed at a location in Limerick on Thursday, 27 April. (limerickpost.ie)
- whenHe was arrested at 11.57pm on Thursday night. (limerickpost.ie)
- whenThe properties were searched on Thursday. (limerickleader.ie)
- causeThe gang was suspected of involvement in the illegal drugs trade and other criminal activity. (rte.ie)
- causeThe operation targeted the assets of a drugs gang based on the south side of the city. (limerickpost.ie)
- causeKalinowski was arrested during an intelligence-led operation. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationThe searches were part of an intelligence-led operation targeting a gang on the southside of Limerick city. (rte.ie)
- investigationThree men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested during the operation. (rte.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe three men were being questioned at several garda stations in Limerick. (rte.ie)
- investigationOfficers from the Limerick division and the Criminal Assets Bureau were carrying out the property searches. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Garda Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit supported the operation. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe Irish Defence Forces supported the search of the Southill land. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe operation was planned and targeted the assets of a drugs gang based on the south side of Limerick city. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí said the searches were part of an ongoing proceeds of crime investigation. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationCriminal Assets Bureau officers were supported by local armed garda and detective units, drugs units, the Organised Crime Bureau and the Garda Dog Unit. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationOpen areas of land in Southill were searched with support from the Irish Defence Forces. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí carried out seventeen property searches across Limerick City and County. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationTwo open areas of land in the Southill area of Limerick City were also searched. (irishmirror.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- investigationGardaí said investigations are ongoing. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe searches were part of an ongoing proceeds-of-crime investigation. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationGardaí searched up to 20 properties and lands in Southill, Pallasgreen and Caherconlish. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationCriminal Assets Bureau officers were supported by armed Gardaí, detectives, drugs units, the Organised Crime Bureau and the Garda Dog Unit. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationThe operation was supported by the GNDOCB, the Garda Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationA garda said he arrested the accused at 11.57pm on the Thursday night. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe accused was arrested during an intelligence-led operation. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe charge arose from a Garda operation targeting organised criminal activity in the Limerick region. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationGardaí from the Limerick division and members of the Criminal Assets Bureau carried out the searches. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe operation was supported by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Garda Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeThe three men were understood to have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeHe was charged with one count of possession of almost €80,000 worth of suspected drugs and one count of simple possession. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is accused of possessing €65,000 worth of amphetamine tablets and €14,500 worth of suspected cannabis. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe accused was charged and cautioned under Section 15 and Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and made no reply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMichael Kalinowski was charged with possession of almost €80,000 worth of suspected drugs. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeHe is accused of possessing €65,000 worth of amphetamine tablets. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeHe is accused of possessing €14,500 worth of suspected cannabis. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeThe three men who were arrested have been charged. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtHe appeared before Limerick District Court and was charged there. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe judge remanded him in custody with consent to bail. (thejournal.ie)
- courtBail was set on an independent surety of €2,000, of which €1,000 had to be lodged and approved by gardaí. (thejournal.ie)
- courtHe must surrender his passport and not apply for replacement travel documents. (thejournal.ie)
- courtHe is to appear again before Limerick District Court on 2 May. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe judge remanded the accused with consent to bail on an independent surety of €2,000, of which €1,000 was to be lodged and approved by gardaí, to appear again on May 2nd. (irishtimes.com)
- courtBail conditions include residing at an Adare address, signing on daily at Roxboro Road Garda Station, obeying a curfew and surrendering his passport. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge remanded him in custody with consent to bail on an independent surety of €2,000. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtHe is due to appear at Limerick District Court on 2 May. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtThe three men were expected to appear before Limerick District Court on the Friday morning. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherProperty seized included a BMW, designer jewellery, electronic items and six shotgun cartridges. (rte.ie, irishmirror.ie, limerickpost.ie)
- otherAbout €64,600 of suspected amphetamine and about €89,600 of suspected cannabis were seized. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com, limerickleader.ie)
- otherAbout €76,580 in cash was recovered. (rte.ie)
- otherA further €18,000 held in credit union accounts was frozen. (rte.ie)
- otherGardaí said further details of the operation would be provided when available. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThree men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested and are detained at Garda stations in the Limerick Region. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGardaí suspect a senior associate of the gang, who is mostly based abroad, of money laundering for Limerick drugs gangs. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThree men were arrested during the operation and were detained at garda stations in the Limerick region. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe searches led to property and drugs being seized, and accounts being frozen. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherSuspected amphetamine worth about €64,600 and suspected cannabis worth about €89,600 were seized. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherArmy personnel supported the Gardaí in the searches. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherThree men were arrested. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherThe three men were arrested as associates, not members, of the gang. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherThe three men are aged in their 30s and 40s. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherThe three men were detained at Garda stations in the Limerick Region. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherDrugs seized included €64,600 of suspected amphetamine and €89,600 of suspected cannabis. (limerickpost.ie)
- other€76,580 in cash was recovered and a further €18,000 was frozen in credit union accounts. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherSeized property included a BMW, designer jewellery, electronic items and six shotgun cartridges. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe men are detained at Garda stations in Limerick. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherHe was provided with an interpreter during the hearing. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe court was told he has lived in Ireland for the past 12 years. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherThe court was told he has lived in Ireland for the past 12 years and has a record of steady employment. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherAbout €64,600 of suspected amphetamine was seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherAbout €89,600 of suspected cannabis was seized. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherAbout €76,580 in cash was recovered, with a further €18,000 frozen in credit union accounts. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 2 May2023BREAKING: Three men charged by gardai targeting 'organised criminal activity' in Limerick
First report of three men charged after an intelligence-led operation; the article gives searches of 18 properties, seizures, and a court appearance at Limerick District Court.
accused, maleaccused, maleaccused, male - 29 Apr2023Man on drug charges after Limerick Garda raids targeting organised crime
Names the accused as Michael Kalinowski, 36, a Polish national, and gives the charge details: possession of €65,000 of amphetamine tablets and €14,500 of suspected cannabis. Reports his arrest at 11.57pm, his remand in custody with bail on a €2,000 surety, and his next court date. Links to the same Limerick operation and date as case 21295.
accused, Michael Kalinowski, 36, male, Polish, named, non-irishMichael Kalinowski - 28 Apr2023Man charged with drugs offences as part of Garda operation targeting organised crime in Limerick
Reports the court appearance, the two possession charges, the value and type of drugs, the address given, the arresting garda's account, bail conditions and remand to May 2nd.
accused, Michael Kalinowski, 36, male, Polish, named, non-irishMichael Kalinowski - 28 Apr2023Man charged with drugs offences after Limerick Garda operation targeting organised crime
Adds the court appearance on 28 April 2023: the charges, the remand on bail conditions, the next court date, and the accused's Polish nationality and 12 years' residence in Ireland.
accused, Michael Kalinowski, 36, Polish, named, non-irishMichael Kalinowski - 28 Apr2023BREAKING: Three arrests following seizure of cash, drugs and designer goods during Limerick searches
Adds the seizure details (BMW, designer jewellery, electronics, shotgun cartridges, drugs, cash and frozen credit union funds), the Southill land searches, the supporting units, the ages range of the three arrested men (30s and 40s), and that investigations are ongoing. Does not name the men or state any charge.
suspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male - 28 Apr2023Three arrested as Gardaí swoop on Limerick drug gang assets
Gives the three arrests, the seized property, drugs, and cash totals, and the detail that the operation was a proceeds-of-crime search targeting a Southill gang. Describes the arrested men as associates, not members, of the gang.
suspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male - 28 Apr2023Defence Forces and Gardaí seize drugs, cash and jewellery in major bust
Reports three men aged in their 30s and 40s arrested and still detained, investigations ongoing, and details of drugs, cash, property and frozen accounts seized. The men are not named and no charges are reported.
suspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male - 27 Apr2023Gardaí and Defence Forces target Limerick drugs gangs
Adds the Garda account of the operation: the searches were part of a proceeds of crime investigation, cash, drugs and other items were seized, and three men were arrested and detained. The article does not state any charges.
suspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male - 27 Apr2023Garda probe targets organised crime in Limerick area
Reports the searches as under way, gives a count of seventeen properties and names the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Defence Forces' support. It does not mention arrests or charges, and it names no suspects.
- 27 Apr20233 arrested, drugs seized after Limerick garda operation
Reports that three men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested and were being questioned at several Limerick garda stations. Adds the seizure values (about €64,600 of suspected amphetamine, about €89,600 of suspected cannabis, about €76,580 in cash), the freezing of a further €18,000 in credit union accounts, and the seizure of a BMW, designer jewellery, electronic items and six shotgun cartridges. Does not say the men were charged.
suspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male