Gardai recover €245k of suspected cocaine after intercepting car in Limerick

23/1/2021 Story David Raleigh. The scene where a damaged Audi collided with an armed support Garda car in Baunacloka, Mungret, Limerick. Photograph Press 22

GARDAÍ have recovered almost a quarter of a million euro of suspected cocaine, after intercepting a car in Limerick.

The suspected drug haul was found when gardai stopped and searched a dark coloured 2008, Tipperary North (TN) registered Audi, Saturday afternoon, on the R510, known locally as Baunacloka, Mungret.

Members of the Garda’s Armed Support Unit (ASU) along with detective units were involved in the operation.

23/1/2021 Story David Raleigh. A damaged armed support Garda car which collided with a black Audi in Baunacloka, Mungret, Limerick. Photograph Press 22

A jeep carrying armed members was damaged in a collision when Gardai intercepted the suspect’s car.

The suspect’s car was also damaged, however no injuries were reported.

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Airbags in both vehicles we’re deployed and the Garda jeep and the car were removed from the scene for a technical examination.

Video footage of the aftermath of the incident has been shared on social media, showing the damaged vehicles as well as crash debris on the road.

The footage shows a car stopped on the road with its front grill facing the front grill of a garda vehicle.

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí have arrested a man and seized a large quantity of suspected cocaine in Raheen, Co. Limerick yesterday, Saturday 23rd January 2021.“

“At approximately 3:30pm yesterday afternoon, Gardaí intercepted a vehicle on the R510 in the Raheen area. During the course of the search of the vehicle €245,000 worth of cocaine (pending analysis) was seized.”

“A Garda vehicle was damaged during the course of the operation.”

“A male in his 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Henry Street Garda station.”

The arrested male – who sources said is from Co Clare – can be held for up to 7 days without charge.

Gardai were conducting follow-up searches as part of the probe.

“Investigations are ongoing,” added the spokesman.

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