A well-known and violent drug dealer is allegedly involved in one of the biggest dognapping schemes in Ireland.
The major criminal is reportedly offering addicts €150 a day to steal pups and dogs around the country.
Gardai became wise to the operation after stopping a man and woman acting suspiciously in the midlands last month.
The pair are understood to have said that they were working for the drug thug, identifying high-value dogs and puppies to snatch according to The Irish Mail on Sunday.
A source told the paper: "This thug will get involved in anything that will turn a quick profit and at the moment that’s dogs.
"Dog prices went through the roof and he took advantage of that.
"Gardaí believe he has been dropping addicts off at rural locations for €150 a day with instructions to identify and steal dogs. Investigations are ongoing."
The thug has spent time in prison and has 33 previous convictions which range from drug dealing to theft, violent disorder and handling stolen property.
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