Three men described by a judge as “young and naïve” have appeared in court in Co Kildare in connection with an intelligence-led operation into firearm trafficking.
All three faced four charges: two charges in relation to possession of weapons and two charges in relation to the possession of ammunition under the Firearms Act.
The court heard the weapons seized were a Heckler and Koch rifle and Remington Rand semi-automatic pistol, along with 22 rounds of .45 ACP calibre ammunition and 20 rounds of .30 Winchester calibre ammunition.
Evan Fitzgerald, aged 21 and with an address, Portrushen, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, Shane Kinsella, aged 20 and with an address Tynock, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, and Daniel Quinn Burke, aged 19 and with an address at Allendale Lawn, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, appeared before Naas District Court this morning.
All three men were given bail on independent surety of €1,000, they have to sign on at their local garda station daily, reside at a parents residence, surrender their passports, adhere to a curfew from 12pm until 6am daily, are not allowed to contact the co-accuseds directly or indirectly.
Additionally Mr Fitzgerald was not to have any illegal activity online.
They were released on bail to appear before the court again on 6 June for the DPP’s directions.
