STASH SEIZED

Two arrested and €30,000 of cocaine seized by Gardai after high-speed chase that caused ‘extensive damage’ to cop car

• Published: 16:36, 21 Oct 2023
• Updated: 16:36, 21 Oct 2023

TWO men were arrested and approximately €30,000 of cocaine was seized after a “dangerous driving incident” in Co Louth on Friday evening.

Two men have been arrested by Gardai after the incident, which involved a high speed chase. 

When patrolling Gardai stopped a car and engaged in conversation with the two male occupants in the Ferdia Park area of Ardee at around 9:30pm, it accelerated away from the scene. 

The car smashed into the rear of an official Garda vehicle and caused “extensive” damage. 

During the high speed chase involving multiple units, cops observed a package being thrown from the vehicle in the Corbollis area on the N52. 

This package was later recovered and approximately €30,000 of suspected cocaine was seized by Garda.

The containment operation ended on the N52 at Clonkeehan following an intervention by Gardaí to stop the offending vehicle, with no injuries reported.

Two men, aged in their 60s and 40s, were arrested by Gardai and they are both currently being detained at a Garda station in County Louth under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

The seized drugs will be taken to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai seized in excess of €100,000 combined drugs and made one arrest following a search in the Clondalkin area of Dublin on Friday, 20th October 2023.

“Gardai attached to the Ronanstown Drugs Unit with the assistance of the Garda Dog Unit carried out the search operation. 

“Approximately €35,000 worth of cocaine and €70,000 in diamorphine was seized during the course of the search. A small number of cannabis plants were also found at the scene.”

They added: “Investigations are ongoing.”

GARDAI SEIZE DRUGS IN DUBLIN

It comes after cops seized in excess of €100,000 combined drugs during a search in the Clondalkin area of Dublin on Friday. 

Gardai attached to the Ronanstown Drugs Unit with the assistance of the Garda Dog Unit carried out the search operation, which forms as a part of Operation Tara. 

Approximately €35,000 worth of cocaine and €70,000 in diamorphine was seized alongside a “small number” of cannabis plants during the course of the search at the scene.

A male juvenile was arrested by Gardai in connection with the seizure and later detained at Ronanstown Garda Station. 

He was later released without charge and a file will now be prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Office. 

All of the suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

A Garda spokesperson added: “Investigations ongoing.”