Herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €10.12 million has been seized in County Louth as part of a major operation targeting organised crime. Three men have been arrested in connection with the drugs, authorities said.
The operation, named Operation Tara, was carried out jointly by the Revenue Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. It involved the search of a premises in the Louth area, resulting in the discovery of 506 kilograms of cannabis.
Two of the men arrested are in their 30s, while the third is in his 50s. Gardaí said the men are suspected of facilitating and enhancing drug trafficking activities for an organised crime group. They are currently being held at Garda stations in Counties Louth and Dublin as investigations continue.
Revenue and Garda officials described the seizure as a significant blow to the criminal network responsible. The cannabis, if sold illegally, would have generated more than €10 million in revenue for the gang.
Operation Tara is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime and the illegal drug trade in Ireland. Officials emphasized that arrests and seizures of this scale are critical in combating the supply of controlled substances in communities.
Authorities are appealing to the public and businesses for assistance. Anyone with information regarding drug smuggling or related criminal activity is urged to contact Revenue in confidence at 1800 295 295.
The investigation remains active, and Gardaí warned that further arrests could follow as they continue to target networks involved in large-scale drug operations.
The seizure comes amid a wider national effort to clamp down on the illegal cannabis trade, which has seen growing activity across several counties in Ireland. Law enforcement officials have stressed the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in helping dismantle organised crime operations.
By working together, Revenue and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau hope to reduce the availability of illegal drugs and disrupt the financial operations of criminal groups that exploit cannabis trafficking for profit.
The arrests mark another step in Ireland’s ongoing campaign against organised crime and the sale of controlled substances. Authorities have assured the public that they will continue operations like Operation Tara to ensure the safety and security of communities affected by illegal drug activity.
