The first consignment of aircraft spare parts relating to a joint garda-FBI investigation of a Shannon-based aerospace company left Co Clare under escort yesterday for the US.
The consignment was seized as part of an investigation into a suspected counterfeit spare parts racket. The FBI investigation began in Arizona earlier this year after counterfeit parts were purchased by contractors carrying out work for the US Air Force.
The consignment consists of parts removed by gardai from a warehouse owned by Smyth Aerospace Manufacturing at the Shannon Free Zone industrial park.
It is believed to be destined for Laken-heath, an RAF base in England, from where it is due to be transported to the FBI headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, by the US Air Force.
Special Agent Mr Ed Hall said that samples from the consignment would be sent to the FBI laboratories in Washington for forensic examination to determine whether the parts were counterfeit or "legitimate brand new parts".
A court order to transfer the consignment out of the State was obtained through the Chief State Solicitor's Office at Dublin District Court yesterday. Chief Supt Liam Quinn, of the Clare Gardai division, said a Garda car provided an escort as far as Rosslare, after which the consignment became the responsibility of the FBI.
Chief Supt Liam Quinn said elements of the investigation were continuing in Shannon.