LAST UPDATE | 13 Jun 2023

TWO MEN HAVE been charged after drugs with an estimated value of close to €1.3 million was seized in Co Kildare

The Dublin Crime Response Team, supported by national and regional resources, conducted a search under warrant of a large rural site in Kildare yesterday.

The search was part of an investigation into the sale and supply of drugs by an organised crime group in west Dublin.

It’s been described as a “very significant development in the efforts of An Garda Síochána in supporting local policing operations in dismantling criminal gangs”.

During the course of the search, gardaí seized 16 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street sale value of €1.12 million.

Gardaí also seized three kilograms of cannabis herb, with an estimated value of €60,000, and 800 grams of suspected heroin, with an estimated value of €112,000.

The total value of controlled drugs seized is around €1,292,000.

Image of the seized drugs. Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

In addition to the drugs seized, a mobile drug pressing preparation unit, which was built into a large ‘box’ lorry, was also seized. 

This unit included a hydraulic press, ovens, vacuum packing equipment, bagging and approximately 135kg of mixing agent.

Two males aged in their 20s and 30s were arrested by gardaí and have since been charged. 

Both men are due to appear before the Criminal Court of Justice tomorrow morning.

A garda spokesperson said a number of follow-up searches have been conducted at addresses in Dublin and Kildare, which resulted in further small quantities of drugs being located and seized.