Explosive Reached Ireland After “Failed Test”
January 5th, 2010Via: RTE:
A quantity of explosive, found in a flat on Dorset Street in Dublin this morning, was brought into the country following a failed security operation in Slovakia.
It is understood the explosive was one of eight pieces of contraband planted by the authorities in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers at Bratislava Airport in Slovakia last weekend as part of a test of security procedures.
Seven were detected by airport security, but the eighth – 90g of research development explosive or RDX – was put in the luggage of a Slovakian electrician who lives and works in Dublin.
The 49-year-old unwittingly brought the material to Dublin when he returned from Christmas holidays.
Gardaí were eventually alerted this morning following a call from police in Bratislava and the flat on Dorset Street was sealed off.
During the operation, the adjoining homes and businesses were evacuated as the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit removed the explosive for further analysis.
Both Gardiner Street and Lower Dorset street were closed off for about an hour.
The Slovakian man was arrested at the scene, but gardaí are now satisfied that he is innocent and he was released from custody this afternoon. He will not face charges.
The Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs have been informed and the incident will be dealt with through diplomatic channels.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said he was very concerned about the fact that the gardaí were not alerted for three days and has asked for a full report.
Just heard this one today. Incredible – really!
Dermot Ahern, btw, is, technically, a gobshite. Given that Ireland has the population of an average American/Australian/British city, our “national” politicians tend to be of the caliber of local civic leaders – which is to say – they’re not up to much. DA falls very much into this category.
Out of his league, in other words – along with our PM and Finance minister.