The two rival gangs that caused the Drogheda drugs feud that left four people dead have been dismantled, Gardai have revealed.
Three out of the four leaders on both sides have fled the country with arrest warrants and charges waiting for them here if they ever return.
All the other main players are either in jail, dead or have also done a runner.
READ MORE: Wanted Drogheda feud gang member spotted at funeral of notorious gangster Cornelius Price
Relatives of two brothers who led one faction have now moved back into their family home in the town which had been previously petrol bombed a number of times. They believe it is now safe to do so as the threat against them has receded.
The brothers themselves are believed to be in Turkey and are regularly visited by family and friends. Gardai know where they are but have not yet applied for an International Arrest Warrant for their extradition.
The brother of the other rival gang leader is living in the UK and is currently under investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
New figures released by acting Justice Minister Simon Harris show that a total of 203 people were arrested in relation to the feud since January 1, 2018 when it kicked off up until March 13 last.
A further 374 charges were issued by Gardai and 266 summonses. The busiest year was 2020 when 17 year teenager Keane Mulready Wood was abducted, murdered and his body dismembered.
Senior Gardai said his savage killing shocked many local people and they quickly turned on the gang members. There was a huge surge in information passed on to the police.
Mr Harris said 106 people were arrested that year and 179 charges and 134 summonses issued against various individuals by the Gardai.
A further 18 people were arrested last year and 17 charges preferred against them. It is believed so far this year less than ten people have been arrested in relation to the feud.
A senior Garda source said; " The two rival gangs have been effectively dismantled between the two brothers on one side fleeing the country and Keane's killer Robbie Lawlor being assassinated and then Cornelius Price on the Traveller side dying from natural causes.
" There is one individual still in the country but he does not have the money, the power or the support to cause too much difficulty. He is also being watched around the clock and we know where he is at all times.
"Tragically young Keane's death was the big turning point in the feud and the heat really came on the criminals after that. The streets of Drogheda are now far safer".
Commenting on the figures, MInister Harris said; " An Garda Siochana has made important progress in tackling the threat of gangland crime in Drogheda through Operation Stratus.
" The Operation consists of high visibility patrols and checkpoints, days of action and covert policing initiatives . This work is supplemented by personnel from the regional armed support unit , the drugs unit, and the divisional roads policing unit and has resulted in the seizure of considerable amounts of cash, firearms and controlled drugs."
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