Gardai investigating the murder of Sean McCarthy have recovered what they suspect was the gun used to kill him.
Sources have told us that gardai have recovered a gun that is now undergoing forensic analysis to confirm whether it was the weapon used to murder the Ballymun native at an apartment in Drumcondra in recent days.
The body of Mr McCarthy, 28, who was a known low-level drug dealer, was discovered at the apartment on Achill Road on Saturday - five days after he went missing.
Read More: Man killed in Drumcondra shooting may have lain there for days as Garda probe continues
The firearm, understood to be a handgun, was recovered from the nearby canal following a massive search by the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.
And now, in a twist in the case, sources say gardai believe McCarthy may have attempted to recover money he was owed over drugs when he met his fate.
It had been thought that McCarthy was trying to resolve a drug debt he had owed, but sources say gardai now fear it was the other way around.
Sources say McCarthy did indeed have a known drug debt, but it is believed he was meeting with a man to be paid money he was owed when the shooting occurred.
It is understood that gardai are now probing whether McCarthy was under pressure with his own drug debt and that he went to the Drumcondra area to get money he was owed in order to resolve his own debt.
But a dispute is believed to have occurred between him and the other party - and it resulted in McCarthy being shot dead.
The suspect, who was arrested in the Ballymun area following the discovery of the body, remained in Garda custody last night.
He can be questioned for up to seven days before gardai must decide upon charging him or releasing him.
It is suspected that McCarthy may have lain dead in the Drumcondra apartment since last Tuesday.
Following a missing persons appeal by gardai, officers were led to the shocking discovery on Saturday.
A murder investigation is now set to be launched by gardai in Ballymun.
Fears had been mounting throughout last week that McCarthy may have been murdered after he failed to make contact with family and friends for days.
In an appeal on social media, his sister Nicola McCarthy said: “My brother Sean McCarthy is missing since Tuesday 2nd of August just after 4pm.
“His last known location was Drumcondra.
“If anyone has seen Sean or heard from him since that day could you please get in contact.
“Sean was last seen wearing black shorts and a grey t-shirt, black training runners.
“This is not like him and we are worried sick. Anyone knows anything at all please get in contact with me.”
As the news emerged of McCarthy’s death, tributes poured out on social media.
“Absolutely no words, just shocking Sean Mccarthy rest in perfect paradise,” one friend wrote.
“Look over your family and friends at this devastating time they need it, hold your loved ones extra tight you just don't no when there last words to you are rest in peace BIG MAC."
Another pal wrote: “Thinking of my friend Nicole and the McCarthy/Duffy family at this devastating time.
“You couldn’t be around Sean Mccarthy without a giggle the life & soul of any party R.i.P Sean you won’t be forgotten.”
In a statement gardai said they were investigating “all of the circumstances” surrounding the discovery of the body.
READ NEXT:
Pilot arrested during €8.4m cocaine seizure was wearing bling €5k watch
Funeral of tragic Sligo accident victim to take place on Monday as 'little angel' to be laid to rest
GAA club hails Dillon Quirke as hundreds attend vigil for late hurler ahead of funeral
Sign up for the Irish Mirror newsletters to get all the latest news straight to your inbox
