A MAN nicknamed "The Boxer" and believed to be one of Dublin's biggest heroin dealers, has been arrested in Britain after a combined operation involving gardai and British police.
The man, whose illicit trade has long been a target of anti-drug activists in Dublin, was arrested by British police investigating a gang smuggling drugs through Liverpool and Holyhead. "The Boxer" was not carrying contraband but is believed to have been carrying a large sum in cash.
Under British drug trafficking laws a person who cannot account for such a sum can be charged with possession of the proceeds of an illegal drugs trade.
"The Boxer", who was once publicly named at a Dail committee by independent TD Mr Tony Gregory, originally lived in Dubin's inner city but later moved to a suburb on the northside of Dubin. Aged in his mid 20s, his name featured last year on an alleged "IRA hitlist" of dealers which has been circulated in the city, beside the comment: "Earns £25k a week".
Although he has not been charged with drugs offences, the man has been monitored by gardai over the past year.
Gardai have been working in recent months to cut off a persistent drug supply route to Dublin through Liverpool. Under an operation known as "Family Tree 17 people have been arrested in connection with the illicit trade.