Major drugs seizure in Athlone

Over €130,000 of cannabis and cocaine was seized in Athlone last evening (Wednesday).

The seizure was part a joint operation between Galway and Westmeath Garda Drugs Units.

Gardaí stopped a van on the Old Ballybane Road in Galway city at approximately 7pm.

Gardaí conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately €35,000 cocaine (subject to analysis).

The driver, a male in his 40s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at a Garda station in the North Western Region.

Simultaneously, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Athlone, Westmeath which resulted in the seizure of approximately €80,000 worth of cannabis herb, €11,400 worth of cannabis resin and a further €40,000 worth of cocaine.

A hydraulic press and other drug paraphernalia was also seized.

The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for full analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.