Three men have been arrested alongside €12.8 million worth of drugs seized in an ongoing operation in County Laois.

Gardaí from the Dublin Crime Response Team are conducting an ongoing intelligence led operation in Mountmellick, County Laois and a number of other locations this evening.

Approximately 182kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis herb was seized.

The estimated value of drugs seized is in excess of €12.8 million.

Three men have been arrested and are currently being held at Garda stations in the eastern region.

Dublin Metropolitan Region’s Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary has stated, "This intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Response Team has taken down the main supply network for cocaine and crack cocaine into West Dublin.

"This operation targeting the sourcing, preparation and distribution of substantial quantities of these illicit drugs, stopped them from entering our communities and is another significant blow to an Organised Criminal Group.”

Investigations are ongoing.

Garda sign outside a station, © PA Archive/PA Images