The Family becomes Ireland's top drug trafficking gang

A crime gang known as "The Family" has become the largest drugs group in Ireland without resorting to violence. Their rise coincided with significant events in the Irish criminal world, particularly after the Regency Hotel attack in 2016, which altered the landscape of gang rivalries. Recently, law enforcement seized a large shipment of cocaine, about 152 kilograms valued at €10.6 million, linked to The Family. This group originally controlled the heroin trade in Dublin's Ballyfermot over two decades ago. Leaders of The Family, including brothers from the area, have a long criminal history and previous prison sentences for drug-related crimes. The Kinahan gang, once the dominant force in the Irish drug scene, has lost its grip due to a violent feud with the Hutch group. The intense violence resulted in significant law enforcement action that crippled the Kinahan and Byrne groups, opening the door for The Family to step in and control the drug market. The pandemic further solidified The Family's power as they continued to import drugs while rival gangs were weakened. With increasing pressure from the Garda, many Irish gangs opted to avoid violent confrontations, leading to a decrease in murders in the underworld. This quiet period allowed The Family to expand its operations unchallenged. Despite their current success, key members of The Family are now facing serious charges that could lead to jail time. The future remains uncertain, as new groups may emerge to challenge their dominance. The criminal world in Ireland is constantly evolving, and new players will likely enter the scene.