Almost €220k seized as gardaí uncover 'sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation'

Gardaí have seized almost €220,000 worth of suspected cannabis plants and cannabis herb during a search operation that uncovered a “sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation” in Monaghan yesterday.

Gardaí attached to the Monaghan Divisional Drugs Unit assisted by local uniform and detective Gardai searched a residential premises under warrant near Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan at approximately 1pm. 

The search was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation, under Operation Tara, targeting suspected cannabis growhouses in the area.

One male in his 40s was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in County Monaghan. He has since been charged and is expected to appear before Cavan District Court this morning, Thursday.

During the search, a “sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation” was discovered, according to gardaí.

Cannabis plants with a potential value of €118,400 and suspected vacuum-packed Cannabis with a value of €100,200 were seized, with an estimated total value of €218,600 (subject to analysis).

All of the seized drugs will undergo further analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).