Arrests Made Following €2.6m Cocaine Seizure in Dublin

Law enforcement officials apprehended a man and a woman after Gardaí (Irish police) confiscated cocaine with an estimated street value of €2.6m (£2.2m) in north Dublin. The illicit substances were discovered when officers intercepted two vehicles in Swords shortly after 20:30 local time on Wednesday. A residence in Shankill, County Dublin, was also searched. Beyond the 38kg (almost six stones) of cocaine, Gardaí reported the discovery of €66,000 (£55,000) in cash, along with money counters, a cocaine press, and other equipment associated with the drug trade. The 28-year-old man and the 22-year-old woman were taken into custody on suspicion of facilitating drug distribution for an organised crime group. Both individuals are currently held in custody in Dublin and may be detained for up to a week. This enforcement action was carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau as part of Operation Tara, Ireland’s national anti-drugs strategy. Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis stated, “This is another significant seizure of cocaine which we believe was destined for the Christmas social scene in particular.” She further added, “An Garda Síochána and our law enforcement partners are continuing to play our part in tackling drug-related organised crime and intimidation.” Willis also issued a public appeal: “Think before you use this coming holiday season, as consumption fuels supply and demand in this harmful illicit industry. We all have a part to play.”