Gardaí are investigating the possible involvement of dissident republicans in the murder of a drug dealer whose body was discovered at the weekend in Co Wicklow.
According to Garda sources, one theory being explored is that 31-year-old Yohan Verhoeven, described by sources as a very significant drug dealer in the Bray area, fell foul of dissident republicans who approached him for "protection money".
A team of gardaí and technical experts were yesterday continuing an intensive search of dense undergrowth near Roundwood in Co Wicklow where the body was discovered on Saturday.
The investigation into the death was yesterday upgraded to a murder inquiry.
The badly decomposed body of Mr Verhoeven, of Inagh Court, Ballybrack, Co Dublin, was discovered by a group of hillwalkers.
He was last seen on July 11th leaving a house at Rathsallagh, Shankill, and had been reported missing by his family.
A postmortem has been carried out by State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy but a Garda spokeswoman said the results would not be disclosed.
Garda sources said Mr Verhoeven appeared to have sustained serious injuries to the head, apparently as a result of a gunshot wound.
Insp Pat Murray of Wicklow town Garda station said a detailed search of the scene at Annacarter Cross, close to Roundwood, was continuing yesterday.
The area was one of heavy vegetation and would remain sealed off for another 24 hours, he said.
Insp Murray said the State Pathologist needed to do a number of other tests and the body would not be released for some days.
A specialist UK forensic scientist, Dr John Manlove, has also been asked to carry out tests to try to determine the time and cause of death.
The Garda investigation is focusing on Mr Verhoeven's activities in the drugs trade.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact gardaí at Wicklow town on 0404- 67101.
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