GARDAI have seized an estimated €35million worth of cocaine in a major operation in Cork.
Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, are in custody after officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau stopped a van in the Courtmacsherry area this morning packed with the drug.
It’s understood the cocaine had been collected after a shipment was delivered to the coast.
Gardai say the joint task force op – which includes Revenue’s Customs Service, the Irish Naval Service, local gardai and the Irish Air Corps – remains ongoing and live.
It is expected that further arrests will be made as part of the major investigation.
The two men in custody are understood to be from the UK and Germany.
It is believed cops have seized around 500kg of cocaine, which is worth around €35m, however that is yet to be confirmed.
A garda spokesman said: “A Joint task Force Drugs Interdiction operation is ongoing at this time in Co Cork.
“This morning Gardai from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau stopped a van in the Courtmacsherry area of County Cork and a large quantity of suspected Cocaine has been recovered (exact quantity and value yet to be determined).
“Two males (30s and 40s) have been arrested and are currently detained in a Garda Station in Co Cork under section 50 Criminal Justice Act 2007.
“The operation is supported by the Joint Task Force partners, Revenue’s Customs Service, the Irish Naval Service, and local Gardai and the Irish Air Corps.
“As this is an ongoing operation no further details are available at this time.
“Further updates will be provided in due course.”
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan hailed the operation and said: “Another major cocaine seizure worth up to €35m by gardai this morning.
“Excellent cooperation involving Gardai, Defence Forces and Revenue, and another example of our work to disrupt the criminal gangs involved.”
Fine Gael’s Noel O’Donovan also commended the work of Gardai following the bust in his constituency.
He added the removal of the drugs off Cork’s streets was “very welcome”.
He said: “I’d like to commend the work of An Garda Síochána both local and national units in the significant detection of an estimated €30 million worth of drugs off the West Cork coast this morning.
“The seizure and removal of €30 million worth of drugs off our streets, towns and villages is extremely welcome.
“This capture in rural West Cork highlights again the need for more resources and more Gardai to prevent and detect crime in our local communities.”
Gardai are expected to make further arrests[/caption]
