€14 million drug seizure ‘significant blow’ to criminal network

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Drugs said to be worth more than €14 million have been seized and three men were arrested following a major garda operation.

The Dublin Crime Response Team is continuing an investigation following the seizure of drugs in Mountmellick, Co Laois, and a number of other locations on Tuesday.

Approximately 182kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis herb was seized.

In a follow-up search in west Dublin, approximately 17kg of cocaine were seized along with 25,000 euro in cash.

The total estimated value of the drugs seized is more than €14 million.

Eight vehicles along with drugs paraphernalia were also seized in the course of the operation.

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

The three men arrested on Tuesday remained in custody under drug trafficking legislation at garda stations in the Eastern Region on Wednesday morning.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said the operation has taken down a supply network for cocaine.

“This intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) has taken down the main supply network for cocaine and crack cocaine into West Dublin,” he said.

“This operation targeting the sourcing, preparation and distribution of substantial quantities of these illicit drugs, stopped them from entering our communities and is another significant blow to an Organised Criminal Group.”