Security sources have denied that a member of the IRA gang involved in the Florida gun-smuggling plot tried to import legally a shotgun into the Republic. Last night's BBC Spotlight programme claimed that one of the gang applied to the Department of Justice for a weapons importation certificate last February using a fake name. The application form was dealt with by a junior official in the Department who posted an application form back to the address in Philadelphia. The programme claimed the correspondence was now part of the prosecution case against the four people being detained in Florida.
However, a security source insisted yesterday that the person who sought the form was bona fide and had since moved to Ireland. This person had not broken any law and was not wanted as part of the US investigation, he said.
A Garda spokesman declined to comment on the case, noting that it was still under investigation. The form was requested for the importation of a 12-bore Condor shotgun. The application form was sent, along with details of other requirements. However, the application was not pursued.
A Department of Justice spokesman said all applicants seeking to bring firearms into the State were carefully vetted by the Garda. In cases where the applicants were based abroad, the Garda would consult internationally before advising on an application.
Last night's programme traced the 37 guns smuggled into Ireland by the gang.