Two Men Jailed in Urgent Plot to Kill Close Associate of Slain Drug Dealer

UPDATE: Two men have been sentenced to six years in prison after being apprehended with a gun in a shocking plot to kill a close associate of slain drug dealer Cormac Berkeley. Michael Simpson, 36, and Declan Coulahan, 46, were caught red-handed on December 17, 2024, just days before Christmas, as authorities intervened in their deadly scheme.

The pair, suspected of working for a violent gang linked to Ireland’s notorious The Family, were arrested when armed Garda officers found a semi-automatic handgun concealed in a Tesco bag inside their van. Simpson was also found with ten rounds of ammunition in his pocket. This chilling discovery has sent shockwaves through Dublin’s criminal underworld, revealing the extent of ongoing gang violence.

Authorities believe the duo was involved in logistical preparations for an assassination plot targeting a man closely associated with Berkeley, who was shot dead in Dublin on December 5, 2022. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) launched an operation following a confidential tip-off, leading to their arrest in Clondalkin.

Detective Sergeant Leo Clayton, addressing Dublin’s Circuit Criminal Court, stated: “These men were crucial facilitators in this operation.” The investigation uncovered that they were not the hitmen but were involved in holding and moving the weapon for an imminent attack. A source explained, “The target has been under huge threat since Berkeley’s death, something he is well aware of.”

The plot is tied to a gang led by a convicted drug dealer from Crumlin, who has formed alliances with The Family, now classified as one of Ireland’s primary transnational drug trafficking organizations. The Family has operated in the shadows for over 20 years, specializing in drug importation and money laundering, and has recently risen to prominence as the Garda’s number one target.

Following the intervention, prison cells were searched, revealing the involvement of notorious hitman Charles McClean, currently serving a 20-year sentence for multiple gangland murders. The GNDOCB has intensified its efforts against The Family, seizing over €40 million worth of drugs and arresting key players in the syndicate.

Judge Martina Baxter emphasized the severity of the crime, describing the firearm as “a very lethal weapon.” Simpson, with a history of 85 previous convictions, received a six-year sentence, while Coulahan, with no prior offenses, was given the same term with a portion suspended.

As investigations continue, the threat of violence in Dublin’s criminal landscape remains high. Authorities are on alert for potential retaliatory actions and are committed to dismantling organized crime networks that continue to endanger public safety.

Next Steps: The GNDOCB is expected to intensify its operations against The Family gang and other associated crime groups in the coming weeks, aiming to prevent further violence and ensure community safety.