Man charged for growing 500 cannabis plants in Westmeath house

Updated 17 October, 2pm

A MAN HAS been charged in connection with 500 cannabis plants found at a house in Westmeath during a garda raid yesterday morning.

The drugs, worth an estimated €400,000, were found as part of an ongoing operation into drug-dealing in the Tyrellspass area.

The 32-year-old was arrested at the scene and appeared before Portlaoise District Court this morning.

A technical examination was carried out of the house at Rathgarrett.

A Garda spokesperson said “advanced analytical and intelligence methods” had been used to carry out the operation.

“Drug seizures play a critical role in targeting the livelihood of criminals and reducing their ability to carry out illegal activities,” the spokesperson said.

First published, 16 October