Largest ever drug seizure in Laois as €14 million worth uncovered in operation

Gardaí now say over €14 million worth of drugs has been seized in an operation centred on yard in Mountmellick. 

Three men were arrested and a total of eight cars were also seized following the discovery of the largest drugs haul ever uncovered in Laois.

The majority of the drugs were discovered during a search of a car yard in Mountmellick on Tuesday. 

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), said: “This intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) has 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.”

Gardaí from the Dublin Crime Response Team are continuing their investigation following the seizure of drugs in Mountmellick and a number of other locations on Tuesday.

Approximately 182kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis herb were seized in the initial searches.

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

The total estimated value of the drugs seized is now more than €14m.

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

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

The three men arrested yesterday remain in custody under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at Garda stations in the Eastern Region.

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.