Minister for Drugs John Curran congratulates Gardaí on recent €1 billion Drug Seizures in Cork

Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, John Curran T.D., has congratulated Gardaí who seized a massive drug seizure with a street value of over €500 million in Cork today.

Welcoming the seizure the Minister said: “The massive seizure compares to Ireland’s largest   ever drugs haul – 1.5 tonnes and valued at €440m – recovered last summer off the Cork coast and Gardaí are to be commended for such a massive drugs haul.

This seizure was part of a joint operation with the Irish Navy, gardaí and customs. The operation was based on intelligence from the Lisbon-based Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre set up to tackle drugs shipments across the Atlantic, mainly high grade cocaine, from South and Latin America.

“I am pleased that Gardaí arrested three men following the seizure today.

“This continued pressure from the Gardaí will slow down the sale and supply of illicit drugs, which in turn will reduce the availability of drugs in our communities and on our streets.

“I will continue to support the Gardaí in their mission to reduce the availability of illicit drugs in Ireland and put an end to international trafficking rings”, concluded Minister Curran.