LAST UPDATE | 19 Nov 2025

A SERVING GARDA has been arrested as part of an investigation into how a large quantity of drugs went missing from a locker in a Garda station.

The suspect was arrested in a town in Leinster by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit, which is attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Sources have said that the probe focuses on an incident at a station in which a large quantity of seized drugs went missing in January 2024.

The garda was arrested following a lengthy probe. Gardaí confirmed tonight that a full investigation was initiated following the alleged unauthorised removal of the drugs at the beginning of last year.

Today, gardaí carried out a number of searches and arrests in relation to organised crime within Leinster. The serving garda was arrested in connection with the investigation.

It is understood he was brought to a station for questioning under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act. This is a power of detention for gardaí which deals specifically with offences associated with organised crime activity. 

A garda spokesman said: “As part of an ongoing investigation by the Eastern Region supported by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit, a member of An Garda Síochána was arrested today. The Garda is currently in custody.” 

A spokesperson later said the garda was detained under “organised crime legislaton”.

Gardaí from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau investigating related alleged offences arrested five other people, who are not members of An Garda Síochána.

One man in his 30s and a woman in her 40s are currently detained at garda stations in the midlands.

A man in his 40s remains in custody at a garda station in the east of the country for alleged related corruption offences.

Two males in their 40s and 50s who were arrested and detained for alleged related drug trafficking have since been released pending files to the Director of Public Prosecutions.