€150,000 of cannabis found in "grow house" between Ballymore and Moate

A drugs “grow-house” containing an estimated €150,000 of growing cannabis plants had been discovered between Ballymore and Moate.

Gardaí today, Thursday September 1, carried out a search of a rural dwelling at Moyvoughley, which is about four miles outside Ballymore village.

The search was carried out part of an ongoing investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the Athlone area.

According to the gardaí, the growhouse was “highly sophisticated”, and it had cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

Two females were arrested and are currently detained at Athlone Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2 – Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

This operation was led by the Athlone Drugs Unit assisted by the Westmeath Divisional Units and the Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau.

Said a garda press release: “These operations use advanced analytical and intelligence methods to disrupt criminals and dismantle their networks.

“Drug seizures play a critical role in targeting the livelihood of criminals and reducing their ability to carry out illegal activities.

“Drug seizures also help protect communities from the devastating impact of drugs and the associated criminality.”