Gardaí have seized heroin worth nearly €3 million during a major operation in Dublin, as part of an ongoing crackdown on organised crime. Two men, one from Spain and the other from the UK, are currently being questioned in connection with the haul.
The seizure took place in the Coolock area on Monday night after officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau intercepted and searched a vehicle suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. Inside, they discovered over 21 kilograms of heroin, packaged in 1kg blocks, with an estimated street value of €2.94 million.
The two arrested men — a 34-year-old Spanish national and a 44-year-old British man — are being detained at a garda station in north Dublin. They are being held under anti-gang legislation, which allows for detention of up to seven days without charge.
Investigators believe the drug shipment may be connected to ‘The Family’, a Dublin-based organised crime group known for its involvement in international narcotics trafficking. However, Gardaí emphasised that inquiries are ongoing to determine the full origin and ownership of the drugs.
The seized heroin has been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for detailed analysis.
Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, who heads the Garda’s Organised and Serious Crime division, said the seizure demonstrates the force’s continuing commitment to disrupting high-level drug networks.
“Disrupting heroin trafficking remains a central focus of our efforts,” she said. “We will continue to target the criminal organisations that operate at a global level with the intention of impacting the lives of ordinary people all over this country.”
The seizure is among the largest made in Dublin this year and comes amid increased Garda operations targeting drug supply chains and transnational crime groups believed to be operating both within and outside Ireland.
Gardaí have urged members of the public with any information related to drug activity to come forward, as investigations into the wider network behind this operation continue.
