A man arrested by armed gardaí in Limerick earlier this week is believed to be part of an international criminal gang, it was alleged in court yesterday.
Ibrihme Hassan, an Egyptian national with an address at Priory Lodge, Celbridge, Co Kildare, was appearing before Judge Tom O'Donnell yesterday at Limerick District Court.
The 36-year-old was charged with having a Sphinx semi-automatic pistol at Prospect Hill, Limerick, last Wednesday. The unemployed chef is also accused of having six .38 calibre bullets for the same weapon.
Opposing bail, Det Sgt Eamon O'Neill alleged Mr Hassan was part of an international gang which had aligned itself to one of the factions in the ongoing Limerick feud. Sgt O'Neill said Mr Hassan was a chronic heroin addict. He is a father of one and married to an Irish citizen.
Refusing bail, the judge ordered that Mr Hassan receive treatment for his addiction and remanded him in custody.
A second man, who appeared in court yesterday in connection with the same incident, was granted bail.
Matta Chahwan (26), originally from the Lebanon but with an address at Belmont Park, Raheny, Dublin, is accused of using a stolen car last Wednesday. Both men will appear before Limerick District Court next Thursday.