€10m Cannabis Seizure Near Drogheda in Joint Garda Operation
€10m Cannabis Seizure Near Drogheda in Joint Garda Operation
More than €10 million worth of cannabis has been seized following a major joint operation by Gardaí and Revenue officers at a premises outside Drogheda, in what authorities have described as a significant blow to organised crime.
The operation took place on Friday, 30 January 2026, as part of Operation Tara, the national strategy targeting organised drug trafficking networks.
Drugs Hidden in Lorry from Netherlands
During the search, officers recovered approximately 506 kilograms of cannabis, believed to have been transported into Ireland concealed within a lorry carrying fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands.
Investigators believe the shipment was destined for distribution within the Irish drugs market and linked to a wider organised crime group operating across several regions.
Three Men Arrested
Three men were arrested at the scene in connection with the seizure.
Two of the men are in their thirties, while the third is in his fifties. Gardaí have confirmed that at least one of those arrested is a local individual.
The men were detained under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, on suspicion of facilitating and supporting drug trafficking activities.
They are currently being questioned at Garda stations in Counties Louth and Dublin.
Operation Tara Targets Organised Crime
In a statement, An Garda Síochána confirmed the operation was carried out in close cooperation with the Revenue Customs Service, as part of Operation Tara, which focuses on disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups involved in drug importation and distribution.
Gardaí said investigations are ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Significant Blow to Criminal Networks
The seizure represents one of the largest cannabis finds in the region in recent years, removing a substantial quantity of illegal drugs from circulation and dealing a major financial setback to those involved.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to targeting organised crime groups and urged anyone with information to come forward.
