€14 Million Cocaine Seized in Mountmellick Irish Raid.
Irish police have reported the confiscation of over €14 million in illegal drugs, primarily cocaine, in a dramatic operation that has shocked the small town of Mountmellick, located in the midlands. This significant raid led to the discovery of 182kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis at a commercial property in the town, known for its Georgian architecture and Quaker lacework.
In a further blow to organised crime, 17kg of drugs were also found in a vehicle in Dublin, alongside €25,000 in cash. The operation, which saw the seizure of eight vehicles and drug-related items, is still under investigation by forensic experts.
Three men have been arrested and are currently being held for questioning under Ireland’s Drugs Trafficking Act. Paul Cleary, assistant commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region police, stated that the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) had successfully dismantled the primary supply chain for cocaine and crack cocaine in West Dublin. He described the intelligence-led operation as “a significant blow to an Organised Criminal Group.”
“This intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) has taken down the main supply network for cocaine and crack cocaine into West Dublin, this operation targeting the sourcing, preparation and distribution of substantial quantities of these illicit drugs, stopped them from entering our communities and is another significant blow to an Organised Criminal Group.”
This latest action is part of an ongoing, concerted effort to combat organised crime linked to the illegal drugs trade, which has been receiving increasing attention from law enforcement. Notably, just hours before the announcement of this operation, six individuals involved in a massive 2.25-tonne cocaine shipment valued at €157 million were apprehended. The shipment, intercepted by the Irish Defence Forces, marks the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history, highlighting the scope of the country's ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Investigations continue as authorities work to disrupt illicit supply chains, protect local communities, and bring those responsible for the drugs trade to justice.
Ireland has witnessed several large-scale drug confiscations in recent years, highlighting the ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade. Some of the most notable drug seizures in Ireland's recent history include:
- The 2.25-Tonne Cocaine Seizure (2023): This remains the largest drug seizure in Ireland's history. In September 2023, Irish authorities intercepted a massive shipment of 2.25 tonnes of cocaine, valued at €157 million, from a Panamanian-flagged vessel off the coast of Ireland. The operation, led by the Irish Defence Forces and Gardaí, resulted in the arrest of six individuals, including those from the Netherlands, Ukraine, Iran, and the Philippines. This seizure was significant not only due to its size but also because it was a part of a global trafficking network.
- €70 Million Cocaine Seizure (2021): In 2021, the Gardaí (Irish police) seized over €70 million worth of cocaine in what was one of the largest single drug busts in Ireland. The drugs were found in a container ship that arrived at the Port of Dublin, and 450kg of cocaine were discovered in a hidden compartment. The discovery was a result of a coordinated effort between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and international law enforcement agencies.
- €40 Million Cocaine Seizure (2020): In 2020, Irish police confiscated 1.4 tonnes of cocaine worth approximately €40 million in a joint operation with the Revenue Commissioners. The drugs were found hidden inside a container that had arrived in Dublin Port from South America. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt major drug trafficking operations coming into Ireland.
- €13 Million Cocaine Seizure (2019): In one of the most significant drug busts of 2019, Gardaí seized over 400kg of cocaine worth an estimated €13 million. The drugs were intercepted at Dublin Port and were found hidden inside a shipping container. The operation targeted an international trafficking route used to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into Ireland from South America.
- €8.5 Million Cocaine Seizure (2018): Gardaí carried out another major seizure in 2018 when they discovered €8.5 million worth of cocaine at a warehouse in County Louth. The drugs were hidden in a consignment of fruit from South America. A significant number of individuals were arrested in connection with the operation.
These confiscations are part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking and organised crime in Ireland. Authorities continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies, such as Europol and the DEA, to intercept drug shipments before they reach Irish shores.
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