160 kg of cannabis seized in Ashbourne; four arrested
Gardai and Revenue Customs officers seized about 160 kg of cannabis herb worth an estimated 3.2 million euro in a joint operation around Ashbourne, County Meath, on 31 January 2017. Four Irish men were arrested for drug trafficking offences.
As part of an intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime groups, officers from the Revenue Customs Service, the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Special Crime Task Force intercepted several people and vehicles in the Ashbourne area of County Meath at about 4pm on 31 January 2017, and searched a business premises there.[1]
Officers seized about 160 kilos of cannabis herb with an estimated street value of 3.2 million euro.[1]Four Irish men aged between 25 and 61 were arrested for drug trafficking offences and detained at Finglas and Kells Garda stations, and investigations were continuing in Ireland and abroad into the consignment destined for the Irish market.[1]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Gardaí and Revenue Customs officers seized about 16.5 kg of herbal cannabis plus cannabis vapes and gummies, valued at €359,000, in operations across Clare and Kildare. One person was arrested after a seizure in County Kildare on 6 November 2026; investigations are ongoing.
Irish Revenue officers seized over 8.3 kg of herbal cannabis worth over €116,000 during operations in Dublin, the Midlands and Rosslare Europort in the week starting 26 October 2026. The cannabis was found in parcels from five countries alongside other drugs, alcohol, tobacco and counterfeit goods, with investigations ongoing.
Gardaí seized cannabis valued at €800–€1,000 from a car on the N17 at Gortnagunned near Milltown and arrested two drivers for drug-impaired driving. The stops on 2 November 2026 were part of the multi-agency Operation Intercept day of action in east Galway.
Gardai carried out three searches near Mullingar on 30 and 31 October 2026, seizing cannabis and cocaine with a combined estimated value of 2,300 euros. One person was charged after the first seizure and is due before Mullingar District Court; the stated cannabis-only value was 400 euros.
