Gardaí Seize €10 Million Worth of Cannabis in County Louth, Three Men Arrested
en01.web.id – Ireland.
Irish police (An Garda Síochána) have seized cannabis worth an estimated €10 million and arrested three men during a major anti-drug operation in County Louth, northeast Ireland. Authorities said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity linked to large-scale drug distribution.
The seizure followed months of intelligence-led surveillance conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, in collaboration with the Revenue Customs Service. Investigators identified suspicious movements and locations believed to be used for the storage and distribution of illegal drugs within County Louth.
Based on the gathered intelligence, Gardaí launched a co-ordinated operation on Friday, January 31, 2026, targeting multiple locations across the county. During searches at one primary site, officers discovered hundreds of kilograms of herbal cannabis, which had been packaged and was allegedly prepared for distribution across Ireland.
Three adult men were arrested at the scene and at nearby locations in connection with the seizure. The suspects were taken into custody for questioning under Irish criminal law. Their identities have not been released, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Seán Kelly of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau said the operation dealt a significant blow to criminal networks.
“The seizure of cannabis valued at approximately €10 million represents a major disruption to organised crime groups who seek to profit from the illegal drugs trade,” Kelly said in an official statement.
He added that the scale of the seizure indicated a highly organised operation, rather than isolated criminal activity.
“Drugs trafficking causes serious harm to individuals, families, and communities. This operation demonstrates our determination to target those responsible for supplying illegal drugs and to dismantle their criminal structures,” he said.
The Revenue Customs Service confirmed that inter-agency cooperation played a key role in identifying the supply chain and storage locations. Authorities believe the cannabis was smuggled into Ireland through illegal channels before being stored in County Louth as part of a wider distribution network.
As of publication, the three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. Gardaí stated that further arrests have not been ruled out, and additional charges may follow. If convicted, those involved could face lengthy prison sentences under Ireland’s drug trafficking and organised crime laws.
Tim Redaksi
(rd/ks/jk)