Gardaí seize €2.8 million worth of cocaine in searches yesterday

Gardaí in south and west Dublin seized over €2.8 million worth of cocaine in searches yesterday.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: On Tuesday, 14th February 2023, as a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation TARA, personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau supported by the Special Crime Task Force intercepted two vehicles shortly after 11.00am in the Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown areas of Dublin.

“In addition, a planned search of a business premises in the Long Mile Road area was conducted with the assistance of the Garda Dog Unit and personnel attached to the Divisional Drug Units in Ballyfermot and Sundrive Road Garda stations.

“In the course of the operation an estimated 40 kilogrammes of cocaine with a street value of €2.8 million (subject to analysis), over 2000 Canisters of Nitric Oxide and €78,000 in cash was recovered.

“Also recovered was a hydraulic drugs press, a quantity of mixing agent, drug mixing paraphernalia, a money counter and several communications devices.

“Eight persons, seven men and one woman, with ages ranging between late 20s and early 50s, were arrested in relation to drug trafficking and were detained, pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, at Garda Stations in the Dublin region.”

Investigations are ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly of Organised and Serious Crime: “Today’s operation and substantial seizure of cocaine has shown An Garda Síochána is determined to disrupt the distribution networks of organised groups who cause harm to our communities”