Investigations continue into gangland-style killing

A number of people have been interviewed but no arrests have so far been made in the continuing investigation into the murder…

A number of people have been interviewed but no arrests have so far been made in the continuing investigation into the murder on Wednesday night of Mr Paschal Boland outside his Co Dublin home.

Some 20 detectives and gardai are involved in the inquiry into the gangland-style killing of the 43-year-old man, who is understood to have been involved in a dispute over the supply of cannabis in the Blanchardstown area.

Mr Boland received at least four gunshot wounds to the chest after six bullets were fired by a masked gunman as the victim arrived in his car at his home in Ashcroft Court, Mulhuddart. His body was discovered by his partner. The couple had moved into the area only in recent months.

A red car found abandoned in the vicinity was taken away for forensic examination, but it remained unconfirmed yesterday whether the vehicle was used by the assailant and an accomplice in the killing.

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Detectives at the investigating station in Blanchardstown, near Mulhuddart, were reluctant to comment on the case but said that routine door-to-door inquiries were continuing and a number of people had been interviewed and had made statements.

One detective pointed out that it was just two days into the murder investigation and while progress was being made and all avenues were being checked, it would naturally take some time for serious developments.

Another Garda source pointed out that in gangland-type murders it was often difficult to get information because a hired gunman would be brought in for the attack and would be unknown in the area. However, gardai have already indicated that in this case they believe a rival drug-dealer from Blanchardstown was responsible for Mr Boland's murder.

Disputes over drugs supply areas known as "turf wars" have begun to break out again in increasing numbers after the lull following the murder of the investigative journalist, Ms Veronica Guerin. Mr Boland is the fourth person to be killed in a drugs-related murder since last June.

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran is Parliamentary Correspondent of The Irish Times