TWO suspected members of a Dutch crime gang are being quizzed by Gardai over an €8.5 million drugs seizure.
And a businessman from Co Meath has also been arrested over the huge cannabis smuggling plot.
Another man arrested is from Eastern Europe and is based in the Midlands.
Investigators believe the drugs were being important to Ireland from Europe hidden inside a freight trailer.
They also suspect the drugs were due to be collected before officers moved in.
Three crime gangs from north Dublin, west Dublin and the Midlands were involved in the plot.
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The two Dutch nationals, 45 and 52, are believed to have travelled to Ireland to oversee the transfer of the drugs.
One investigator told us: “This was a very significant drug importation business that had now been dismantled.
“Three gangs in Ireland were working closely with their associates from Holland.
“The Dutch nationals are suspected of involvement in logistics and of working with a number of crime gangs.”
A garda spokesperson said: “On Friday 11th October 2024, as a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation Tara, a joint operation was conducted by personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Tallaght Drug Unit supported by the Revenue Customs Service.
“Shortly after 3.00pm Gardaí intercepted two vehicles and carried out a planned search of a business premises in the Ballymount area of Tallaght.
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“In the course of the operation 429 kilos of cannabis with a street value of €8.5 million was seized.
“Four males aged 31, 45, 52 and 58 were arrested under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 for offences of facilitating and enhancing a criminal organisation to commit drug trafficking offences. All four are detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at Garda stations in the Dublin Region.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Following the operation, the head of Organised and Serious Crime, Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly added: “This operation is another example of our commitment to target the enablers and facilitators of global drug trafficking networks and our ongoing efforts to make Ireland a difficult environment for them to operate in.”