British-Irish Raids Target Ex-IRA Official
More than 300 police officers backed by British and Irish troops mounted dawn raids on the home turf of Thomas “Slab” Murphy, the Irish Republican Army’s former chief of staff and reputedly its most successful smuggler.
The operation was by far the biggest ever mounted targeting Murphy’s farm and fuel distribution business. Its size underscored the importance that officials place on prosecuting Murphy, who for decades is said to have inspired fear and obedience in the outlawed group’s power base along the Northern Ireland border.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
