GARDAÍ HAVE SEIZED over €8.2 million worth of drugs as part of an operation to “dismantle a well-structured criminal organisation involved in large-scale drug distribution”.

As part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity linked to drug trafficking, Gardaí carried out a coordinated operation today and yesterday.

In the course of the operation, search warrants were executed at 16 properties across South Dublin, West Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Laois, and Offaly.

The operation was led by the Terenure Drugs Unit, with support from the DMR Armed Support Unit and the Stolen Car Unit of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

A total of 60 Garda personnel participated in the operation.

During the searches, Gardaí seized over 110 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin, with an estimated street value of €8.2 million.

The drugs were recovered from two vans seized during the operation and will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Image of the drugs seizure Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

Cash totalling £38,000 and €63,000 was also confiscated.

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking offences.

He is currently being detained at a Garda station in the Dublin Region.

A garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.

The spokesperson added that 23 arrests have been made to date as part of this ongoing investigation and that the total value of the drugs seized is over €12.5 million.