Ten men are being quizzed by detectives investigating a suspected drug smuggling operation in West Cork
The wide-ranging investigation involves several agencies including Gardaí, the Naval Service and international police forces
A number of vehicles were seized in the operation which focused on the villages of Leap and Tragumna.
A camper van, an articulated lorry and a 4X4 were all seized in the operation and are currently being examined and scanned for drugs.
The garda operation was underway for several days after suspicions were raised that drugs were being brought ashore from a boat
Barry Roche, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Times said yesterday's weather alert hampered the suspected drug smuggling operation.
“They launched the rib to collect the consignment of drugs but the weather was so bad they came back,” he said.
“The rib was actually in the back of a truck and the truck and the jeep and the campervan have all been taken to a secure location.”
The exterior of the Garda Station in Bandon, West Cork, Ireland. Image: Andy Gibson/AlamyThe men range in age from their mid-30s to their mid-50s and Gardaí suspect they are part of an organised crime gang.
“They’re detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act which allows Gardaí to hold suspects for up to seven days before they have to be released or charged,” he said.
“There are two in Bantry, two in Bandon, two in the Bridewell, two in Togher and two up in Mallow.
“So, there’s a lot of Garda involvement in this all over the county.”
The identities of the men have not been released.
Main image: Gardaí. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
