Over €8 million worth of cocaine seized during major garda operation in the Midlands

Over €8 million worth of cocaine has been seized by gardai during a major operation in the Midlands this afternoon.

As part of Operation TARA and ongoing investigations targeting organised crime, personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau conducted a search operation at a residential address and lands in the Laois area on Tuesday.

During the course of this operation 116 kilos of suspected Cocaine (subject to Analysis) valued at approximately €8.1 million was recovered along with a number of electronic devices.

Gardai say that one male aged in his 30s was arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and he is currently detained, pursuant to the provisions of Section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007, at a Laois Garda Station.

The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Following the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, Head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, said, "An Garda Síochána will continue to focus our resources on those who collaborate with and facilitate organised crime. We are determined to continue dismantling drug trafficking routes into Ireland and will continue doing our part to keep our communities safer. Please think before you use”.

Gardai say that investigations are ongoing.