Spanish police are investigating whether a gun discovered during the arrest of convicted criminal John Gilligan was used to murder journalist Veronica Guerin.
Gilligan was one of six people arrested in Alicante as part of an international operation involving Gardaí, the UK National Crime Agency and Spanish police.
It follows a lengthy investigation into a criminal organisation in Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, where Gilligan settled after leaving Ireland.
A known Irish criminal is arrested by Spanish police in Spain. Image: Policia NacionalAs part of the investigation, police intercepted four packages containing 4kg of marijuana and 15,000 pills which they believe were due to be sent to the UK and Ireland by post.
A further 5kg of marijuana and 11,000 pills were discovered in follow-up searches, alongside two vehicles, ten mobile phones, vacuum packaging equipment and various documentation.
Meanwhile, investigators said three 9mm parabellum pistols, “loaded and ready for use” were seized as part of the operation, after Spanish police and Gardaí uncovered plans to move them to Ireland.
Colt Python
Spanish police said a revolver, found buried in the garden of a commercial premises as part of the investigation, is the same make and model used to murder Ms Guerin in the outskirts of Dublin in 1996.
Ballistic experts are now examining the weapon in conjunction with Gardaí to investigate whether it is the Colt Python revolver used in the murder.
A Colt Python revolver uncovered by police in Spain following the arrest of John Gilligan. Image: Policia NacionalDrug smuggling
Gilligan served 17 years of a 28-year sentence after he was convicted in 2001 of importing large quantities of hashish to Ireland.
He was cleared of masterminding Ms Geurin’s murder after a 43-day trial at the Special Criminal Court.
At the time, Judge Diarmuid O'Donovan said he had “grave suspicions” that the then-48-year-old was involved in the murder.
Two other men were separately convicted for their involvement in the killing.
Watch as convicted criminal John Gilligan is arrested in Spain.
Policing are investigating whether a gun discovered during the arrest was used to murder journalist Veronica Guerin. https://t.co/SiY2rIdB3x pic.twitter.com/CQ4mh5YrAy— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) October 23, 2020
