GARDAÍ HAVE SEIZED cocaine estimated to be worth €1.2 million after two vehicles were stopped and searched on the M3 near Ashbourne, Co Meath yesterday.

Two men, aged 35 and 62 years, were arrested as part of the searches that were part of an intelligence-led operation targeting organised criminality.

The searches were carried out by Garda members attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) supported by the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service, and with the assistance of the Revenue Customs Service.

The estimate is a street value and is subject to analysis.

The two arrested men are currently being detained, pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at Ashbourne Garda Station.

Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Willis, who is head of the bureau at GNDOCB, said:

An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing to disrupt the activities of organised criminals supplying drugs to our communities.

“This seizure of a substantial quantity of cocaine today is another example of our relentless efforts to disrupt this supply, enabling us to keep people safe.”