Dogs, horses, drugs and a firearm seized on Kildare border

Gadai arrested a man and seized drugs worth over €20,000 and a gun along with animals in Portarlington.

As part of Operation Tara, Gardaí seized drugs valued at €20,100, a firearm and ammunition following a number of searches in the Portarlington area on Wednesday morning. 

The search operation, targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Laois, was carried out by Laois Drug and Detective Units, assisted by the Garda Armed Support Unit and Garda Dog Unit.

During the search of one property, Gardaí discovered a sawn off shotgun, along with ammunition. The items seized will now undergo further analysis with Forensic Science Ireland.

In two separate searches, cannabis herb valued at €2,180 and cocaine estimated to be worth €17,920 was seized by Gardaí. 

A man aged in his 30s has been arrested and charged in connection with the cannabis seizure. He is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court at a later date. 

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ISPCA) also assisted Gardaí during this operation, and a number of dogs and horses were seized owing to welfare concerns.

Investigations ongoing.