Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with a major drugs bust in south-west Dublin two days ago. It was part of a Garda operation tackling drug dealing in the Rathcoole area.

On Wednesday evening, officers from a Special Garda Task Force arrested three suspected drug dealers on Crumlin Road.

They found some heroin on the men and during a follow-up operation they seized another €650,000 worth of the drug at an apartment in Rathcoole.

A hydraulic press, bagging materials and scales were also found during the raid.

Two of the men appeared before Dublin District Court this afternoon, while the third man was released without charge.

36-year-old Keith O'Brien, with an address at Westpark in Rathcool was first up. He is facing four charges - including possession of the larger stash of heroin for sale or supply.

John Paul-Gantley. who is 30 and lives at Dolphin House, is facing two drugs charges in relation to the smaller find.

Both men were granted bail and are due in court again in December.