A Co Galway woman was charged at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin last night in connection with a Garda investigation into a plot to smuggle guns into Ireland by post from the United States.
Ms Jacqueline McIntyre (32), a native of Spiddal, with an address at Knock Holiday Homes, Inverin, Co Galway, was charged with possession of three Ruger .357 Magnum revolvers, three Glock semi-automatic pistols and 120 rounds of .40 Smith and Wesson ammunition for an unlawful purpose on Tuesday last.
Inspector P.J. Durkan told the court that he released Ms McIntyre from her arrest under the Offences Against the State Act at 4.05 p.m. yesterday afternoon and immediately rearrested her on suspicion of possession of firearms.
Insp Durkan said Ms McIntyre had been living in rented accommodation in Inverin and has a three months old child.
The father of the child is currently living in the United States. Ms McIntyre and he were separated, he said, and Ms McIntyre had spent nine days visiting the father with her child in Florida from June 29th this year.
Previously, she had lived for three and half years in the United States, he added.
Insp Durkan said Ms McIntyre was one of a family of seven and no member of her family had ever been in trouble before.
The court remanded Ms McIntyre in custody to Mountjoy jail with consent to independent bail of £20,000 and her own bond of £2,000 . The court also ordered that Ms McIntyre should surrender her passport and report twice a week to Spiddal Garda Station if she takes up bail.