Gardaí Seize Nearly €500K in Cocaine in Limerick Van Stop

URGENT UPDATE: Gardaí in Limerick have made a significant drug bust, seizing nearly €500,000 worth of cocaine from a van during a routine stop. The incident unfolded on November 22, 2023, in Hospital, Co Limerick, where authorities apprehended a man in his 20s after discovering a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics.

As part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, Gardaí from the county’s Divisional Drugs Unit intercepted the vehicle and took the driver into custody. Following the stop, the van was transported to a local garda station for a thorough search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

During the search, law enforcement officials uncovered a concealment of cocaine with an estimated street value of €493,920. Additionally, they seized €3,000 in cash and several electronic devices from the vehicle. The driver was arrested shortly after the discovery.

“This operation underscores our commitment to tackling drug-related crime in our communities,” said a spokesperson for Gardaí.

A follow-up search at a residence in Castletroy, Limerick, revealed further illicit activity, with authorities seizing an additional €2,075 in cash along with a small quantity of cannabis. The seized drugs are set to be analyzed by Forensic Science Ireland as investigations continue.

Authorities have confirmed that the arrested man is being detained under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, as the investigation into the wider network of drug distribution remains ongoing.

This urgent operation highlights the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking in Ireland and aims to disrupt supply chains that threaten community safety. Further developments are expected as Gardaí continue their inquiries.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.