EIGHT men and a woman are being questioned by gardai investigating the murder of Mr Sean Colbert in Limerick three weeks ago.
The arrests are the latest in a major Garda offensive against organised criminal activity which has led to murders, shootings and arson attacks in the city this year.
More than 20 people have been arrested so far this week, and it is understood several files are being prepared for the DPP.
Among those arrested by gardai yesterday is the man suspected of contracting the murder of Mr Colbert (55), who was shot dead by two gunmen at his home in the Prospect area of the city.
Mr Colbert was shot in the leg last Christmas by members of a criminal gang, and it is suspected the same gang carried out his murder on August 9th last.
According to Garda sources, a local criminal figure held a grudge against Mr Colbert over a personal matter and ordered his murder merely for reasons of reputation.
During the Garda raids this week some firearms were recovered, but it is not known if the weapon used to murder Mr Colbert has been found. He was shot dead with a handgun.
Some drugs were also found, and a file is being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of this. The three men arrested in connection with the drugs find were released from custody.
A total of 12 people were arrested in the O'Malley Park and Southill areas of Limerick early yesterday.
Nine of the people arrested were remanded under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, and three were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Insp Frank O'Brien, of Roxboro Garda station, said that some of those arrested are being questioned in relation to recent family feuds which have led to shootings and fire bombing of houses. Ten incidents of this kind have taken place in the SouthillWeston area of Limerick so far this year.