GARDAÍ have blown a major dent in the operations of a Limerick City-based organised drugs gang, seizing an estimated €500,000 worth of suspected cocaine this past Saturday (November 22).
Gardaí said they discovered the drugs concealed in a van after the vehicle was stopped at Hospital, County Limerick.
The driver was arrested and questioned at a Garda station in Limerick City.
The operation was led by the Divisional Drugs Unit at Henry Street Garda Station.
The Garda drugs squad were supported by the divisions crime unit including armed Gardaí.
Over €2,000 in cash, as well as a small amount of cannabis, was also seized in follow up searches.
According to sources, a Limerick City-based organised crime gang is behind the cocaine that was seized.
A statement released by Gardaí stated the operation was “part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs”.
“Gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit stopped a van in Hospital, County Limerick. The driver, a male in his 20s, and the vehicle were conveyed to a Garda station in Limerick City for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.”
“In the course of a search of the vehicle, Gardaí discovered a concealment of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €493,920. Gardaí also seized €3,000 in cash and a number of electronic items.”
Gardaí added that the man was detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
“A follow-up search was conducted at a residence in Castletroy, Limerick, and a further €2,075 and a small quantity of cannabis was seized,” Gardaí confirmed.
Gardaí said the suspected drugs would be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
“Investigations are ongoing,” Gardaí stated.