Two arrests after cocaine worth €3.1m and cash seized

Two men have been arrested after €3.1 million worth of cocaine, €353,000 in cash along with a number of vehicles, designer watches, laptops and phones were seized during searches in Dublin and Wicklow yesterday.

Gardaí searched 37 homes, businesses, cars and vans as part of a significant garda operation targeting a criminal gang supplying drugs to the east of the country.

In Aughrim, Co Wicklow, a man in his 30s was arrested after 44kg of cocaine was discovered during the search of a vehicle.

Another man, also aged in his 30, was arrested after €213,000 in cash was discovered during the search of a home in Clondalkin in Dublin.

The two men in custody, at least one of whom is known to gardaí as a significant figure in organised crime, can be questioned for up to seven days.

Gardaí said a further €140,000 in cash was seized in later searches.

Eight vehicles, estimated to be worth over €200,000, were seized as evidence of money laundering and proceeds of crime and more than €280,000 was frozen in bank accounts.

Jewellery, including designer watches, electronic devices, laptops, and smartphones were also seized.

Gardaí have for the past three years been investigating the activities of a south Dublin organised crime gang.

Based in south west Dublin, the gang has been supplying drugs to much of the east coast and gardaí have already intercepted several significant seizures.

Yesterday’s operation was led by the Serious Crime Investigation, Drugs and Specialist Support Units, assisted by the Dublin Crime Response Team, Garda Dog Unit, Customs Canine Unit and the Armed Support Unit.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.