Two men arrested after 3.1m euros of cocaine found by gardai

Two men have been arrested after 3.1 million euros worth of cocaine, 353,000 euros in cash, cars, jewellery, designer watches, electronic devices, laptops and smartphones were seized by gardai during searches in Dublin and Wicklow.

Gardai carried out a number of searches as part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of a drug trafficking network.

Gardai searched 37 houses, businesses and vehicles throughout locations in Dublin and Wicklow.

On Thursday, a man aged in his 30s, was arrested after 44kg of cocaine was found during the search of a vehicle.

A second man, also aged in his 30s, was arrested after gardai discovered 213,000 euros in cash at a house in Clondalkin.

Gardai said a further 140,000 euros was found in follow-up searches.

More than 280,000 euros were frozen in bank accounts, while eight cars, estimated to be worth more than 200,000 euros were seized as evidence of money laundering and proceeds of crime.

A quantity of jewellery, including designer watches, electronic devices, laptops, and smartphones was also seized.

The operation was led by the Serious Crime Investigation, Drugs and Specialist Support Units, with assistance from the Dublin Crime Response Team, the Garda Dog Unit, the Customs Canine Unit and the Armed Support Unit.

Gardai said that investigations are ongoing.