LAST UPDATE | 5 Feb 2025

THREE MEN HAVE been arrested after cocaine and cannabis worth €12.8 million was seized in Co Laois yesterday.

Gardaí from the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) conducted an intelligence-led operation in Mountmellick, Co Laois and a number of other locations yesterday evening.

As part of the operation, around 182 kilograms of cocaine and 4 kilograms of cannabis herb was seized.

In a follow-up search in west Dublin yesterday, around 17 kilograms of cocaine were seized, along with €25,000 in cash.

A garda spokesperson said the estimated value of the drugs seized is over €14 million, and the drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

Eight vehicles and drugs paraphernalia were also seized in the course of the operation.

The three men arrested yesterday remain in custody at Garda stations in the east of the country and investigations are ongoing.

Speaking yesterday, DMR Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said the intelligence-led operation had taken down the main supply network for cocaine and crack cocaine into West Dublin.

“This operation targeting the sourcing, preparation and distribution of substantial quantities of these illicit drugs, stopped them from entering our communities and is another significant blow to an Organised Criminal Group,” Clearly added.