Big haul of cannabis stuffed into domestic water boiler near Laois

Cannabis ready for the street was discovered in a domestic water boiler when Gardaí and the Revenue Commissioners raided  premises in Newbridge just before Christmas.

As part of what was described as an "intelligence led operation" on December, Revenue officers and Gardaí seized about 5kgs of herbal cannabis and a small quantity of diamorphine with a combined estimated value of €107,000.

Pictures show that the cannabis was stored in bags but also, as Revenue confirmed, in a domestic water heater.

During the search of a residential premises, under warrant, €31,000 in cash was also discovered and seized by An Garda Síochána.

A statement said  the seizures were made as a result of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Kildare District Drugs unit.

Gardaí said a man in his 60s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Newbridge Garda Station. 

 Investigations are ongoing. 

Revenue say this operation was part of its ongoing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.