GARDA RAIDS OF more than 20 properties linked to organised crime in Dublin, Wicklow and Meath recovered over €1.6 million in drugs and an assortment of sophisticated devices used to conceal their transportation.

Over the course of the two-day operation on Tuesday and Wednesday, gardaí searched 27 properties, including lands and buildings in Blessington and homes in Tallaght and Ashbourne.

The operation was part of ongoing investigations targeting drug trafficking, money laundering and associated criminality by organised criminal groups.

During the search of a property in Blessington, Gardaí discovered a suspected ‘cocaine press’ – a system used to compress cocaine into blocks for transport – along with electronic remote control devices and further devices believed to be used in constructing concealed ‘hides’ in vehicles.

Two vans were seized with built in ‘hides’ according to the Garda Press Office.

In Tallaght, a van was later seized during a search at a property and was found to contain two wheel balancing machines equipped with remote-operated hydraulic covers.

A wheel alignment device recovered by gardaí. Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

On Wednesday evening, a search under warrant at a residential property in Ashbourne resulted in the seizure of cocaine worth €1,190,000, cannabis herb worth €280,000 and €12,000 in cash.

Simultaneously, a related search of a residence in the Tallaght area led to the seizure of a vacuum pack containing €50,000 in cash and cocaine worth €56,700.

Drugs and cash recovered during this week's searches Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

Jewellery, including designer brand watches, designer bags and clothing, were also seized.

“No arrests have been made at this phase of the operation,” a garda spokesperson said.

Investigations remain ongoing.