Gang linked to murdered Blanchardstown criminal Jason Hennessy Senior targeted in garda drugs raid

A young man from the Corduff area was arrested as part of the intelligence-led operation and sources say the teenager is suspected of acting as a ‘runner’ for the notorious gang which is heavily involved in intimidation over drug debts and gangster disputes. .

“Unfortunately, he is just one of many young people who have been sucked into their orbit,” a senior source said today.

“You’re talking literally dozens; this organized crime gang linked to the late Hennessy Senior remains a major blight on the community,” the source added.

In a murder that made international headlines, Jason Hennessy Sr. was shot in the neck and upper body while eating with family and friends at a steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve.

He was taken to hospital, but died on January 4 from his catastrophic injuries.

Several young men have been charged in connection with the alleged subsequent fatal attack on gunman Tristan Sherry, but no one has yet been charged in connection with Hennessy’s murder.

“Make no mistake since that murder, the Hennessy organized crime gang has remained one of the most prolific organized crime gangs in this country and, like many others, its recruitment of very willing young men is a major issue and cause for serious concern.” . “said a senior source.

Gardai today announced the details of yesterday’s operation against the mafia, which for many months has been under constant observation by specialized units, especially for fear of reprisals for the bloodbath in the Christmas Eve restaurant.

“Gardaí seized approximately €117,400 worth of drugs and a firearm in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on Tuesday 7 May 2024,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Gardaí attached to the Finglas Drugs Unit carried out a search of vacant land and recovered suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €59,500.

“Later that same day, a second search was carried out in the same vacant area. During the search, suspected cocaine worth an estimated €52,500 was recovered, as well as €5,400 worth of cannabis and a sawed-off shotgun.

“A minor, a teenager, was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offenses Against the State Act 1939 at a Garda station in north Dublin.

“The seized drugs and firearms will be sent for further examination,” he added.

Four men have been charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry, the gunman who attacked Jason Hennesy Senior in the Christmas Eve shooting at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Another young man and four other men face several charges, including assault, violent disorder and producing a weapon during the incident. One of them is charged with a firearms offense after he allegedly took the gun used by Sherry out of the restaurant.

No one has yet been charged with Hennessy’s murder, which sources say has caused “great unrest” among close members of his gang, who have a deep hatred of Gardai and suspicion of the criminal justice system.

“This may well be the case, but yesterday’s operation shows that they are involved in the most serious levels of organized crime,” a source said today.