Two men have been arrested following the seizure of €10 million worth of herbal cannabis in County Clare overnight, in what authorities describe as a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in the region.
Acting on intelligence, members of An Garda Síochána, in collaboration with Revenue officers, conducted a targeted operation at a private residence in the Mid-West. During the search, authorities discovered and seized approximately 500 kilograms of herbal cannabis. The drugs, which were packaged across two large pallets, are believed to have been intended for wide-scale distribution.
The seizure was carried out by members of the Garda National Drugs and Organized Crime Bureau, supported by the local drugs unit based in Ennis. According to Gardaí, this operation forms part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organized crime networks operating within and beyond Ireland’s borders.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed that the seized material will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for detailed analysis to confirm its composition and potency.
Two men, both aged in their 60s, were arrested in connection with the seizure. They are currently being held at Garda stations in Clare and Limerick under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. This section of the Act permits Gardaí to detain suspects for up to seven days for questioning in relation to serious drug offences. It is understood that one of the individuals is employed in the airline industry, raising concerns about possible links between drug smuggling operations and access to transport networks.
Revenue officials also issued a statement on the seizure, describing it as part of their “ongoing joint investigations targeting organized crime groups involved in the importation, sale, and supply of illegal drugs in Ireland.” Officials noted that co-operation between Gardaí and customs officers has been instrumental in disrupting illegal drug flows into the country.
Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the scope of the operation and identify potential accomplices or connections to broader trafficking networks. No additional arrests have been made at this stage.
“This seizure is a significant development in our efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and target those who profit from it,” the Garda Press Office said in a statement. “Investigations remain ongoing and further updates will follow in due course.”