'Criminality' ruled out after Garda weapons find

Three gardaí questioned at Dublin Airport following the seizure of non-lethal weapons in their luggage "had no criminal intent…

Three gardaí questioned at Dublin Airport following the seizure of non-lethal weapons in their luggage "had no criminal intent", a spokesman for the force said today.

Supt John Farrelly said it appeared the three officers, all of whom are in their twenties, were returning from a stag party in Berlin with three civilians. Prior to their departure from Berlin the men had a number of items including stun guns seized.

The men were questioned by customs officials at Stansted Airport where the rest of the items - including CS gas and retractable batons - were seized.

He said the officers were questioned by a senior garda on their return to Dublin last night and a full investigation into the incident is being carried out. The officers are based in Dublin.

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When complete, the report will be sent to the Garda Commissioner who will decide on whether disciplinary action is required.

Stun guns and CS gas are illegal in the State. Supt Farrelly said these items were openly on sale in Berlin and suggested it "may have been an oversight on their part in relation to their ability to bring them home".

He added that contrary to earlier reports no members of the Defence Forces were in the group.

David Labanyi

David Labanyi

David Labanyi is the Head of Audience with The Irish Times