BORDER CRIMINAL MONEY TRAIL LINKED TO US

The investigation by Garda and RUC detectives into money laundering
has led them to a number of foreign countries including the US, it has
emerged. Preliminary estimates are that pounds 70 million and at least
the same amount in sterling was laundered through a small bureau de
change close to the Border.

Seven people remained in Garda custody last night in connection with
the investigation. The period of detention for six of these is due for
review early today. One woman was released yesterday evening and a man
was arrested yesterday morning.

The man being questioned by the RUC was due before a court last night
on a money-laundering charge.

A team of 60 gardai are examining documents seized in searches north
and south of the border on Tuesday. They included offices of
solicitors in Dundalk and Dublin, accountants and a number of boats in
Carlingford, Co Louth.

Garda sources confirmed that close to a million pounds was seized and
that the currencies used to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking
and other illegal activities included pounds, sterling, francs,
deutschmarks and US dollars.

A senior garda said the operation was the biggest hit to date against
drug dealers in Newry and Dublin - vast sums of money were laundered
in false names. The investigation began after the shooting of drugs
baron Paddy Farrell in Drogheda in 1997.