Cocaine seizure at Covid-19 checkpoint in Cork overnight

Thousands of euros worth of cocaine were seized by Bantry Gardai in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí found €6,300 of suspected cocaine at a Covid-19 checkpoint.

Shortly after midnight, uniform Gardaí from Bantry Garda Station were carrying out a covid-19 checkpoint in Newtown, Bantry when a car, with three men on board, was stopped and searched.

The driver was found to be in possession of €4,200 of suspected cocaine and the front seat passenger was found to be in possession of €2,100 of suspected cocaine. The suspected drugs were seized and will now be sent for analysis.

No arrests have been made but Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Speaking at Bantry Garda Station, Superintendent Declan O Sullivan said while the checkpoints were benefitting the force two-fold, implementing the Covid-19 guidelines and also enforcing other legislation.

“Operation Fanacht will see extensive checkpoints established in Cork, and across the country to ensure public compliance with the travel restrictions introduced as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.

"Whilst the Operation is in place to support travel restrictions to help flatten the curve of Covid-19, it will also help enforce road traffic legislation – reducing the risk of collisions on the roads, and deny criminals the use of the road network.”