Gardaí have seized €200,000 worth of cocaine in a significant drug operation in County Limerick, dealing another major blow to criminal networks operating in the region. The seizure took place on Friday, February 7, 2025, as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking in the area.

Garda Operation in Limerick: How the Seizure Happened

At approximately 4:30 PM, officers from the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit stopped and searched a vehicle traveling on the N20 Limerick-Cork road, near Croom. Upon searching the vehicle, Gardaí discovered a large quantity of cocaine, with an estimated street value of €200,000.

The driver, a man in his 40s, was immediately arrested at the scene and taken to Henry Street Garda Station, where he is being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act. This legislation allows Gardaí to hold suspects for questioning for up to seven days.

Following the seizure, officers searched a nearby area, but no further substances or evidence were recovered. Gardaí have confirmed that this seizure is part of an ongoing investigation into organised drug trafficking networks in Limerick and surrounding counties.

A Growing Drug Problem in Limerick

This latest seizure is just one of many major drug interceptions in Limerick in recent months, highlighting the increasing scale of drug trafficking operations in the region.

Recent Major Drug Seizures in Limerick

• December 2023 – Cocaine Worth €21 Million Seized at Foynes Port
  • One of the largest drug busts in Ireland, authorities discovered 300kg of cocaine on a Maltese-registered cargo vessel.
  • The operation was led by Revenue and An Garda Síochána, with specialist search teams and drug-sniffing dogs uncovering the drugs.
• November 2024 – €560,000 Worth of Cocaine Found in Limerick City
  • Gardaí recovered €490,000 worth of cocaine in a vehicle, with another €70,000 seized from a property search.
  • Two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were arrested in connection with the case.
• October 2024 – €1 Million Heroin and Cocaine Seized in County Limerick
  • Authorities dismantled a drug distribution hub, arresting three individuals linked to an organised crime group.

These cases demonstrate that drug trafficking remains a major issue in the Limerick region, with increasingly large quantities of illegal substances being moved through the county.

The Impact of Drug Trafficking on Communities

The rise in cocaine availability and use has had a devastating impact on many communities in Limerick and beyond. Gardaí have expressed concerns about:

✔ Increased gang activity – Organised criminal networks are expanding their influence, leading to more violence and turf wars.
✔ Higher levels of drug-related crime – More theft, assault, and anti-social behaviour linked to addiction and drug debts.
✔ Greater drug availability among young people – Reports suggest that cocaine use is rising sharply among under-25s, increasing addiction risks and health complications.

Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious activity to help combat drug-related crime and prevent further harm to local communities.

Gardaí’s Continued Crackdown on Drug Crime

Gardaí have vowed to intensify their efforts to dismantle drug networks operating in Limerick and across Ireland. The latest €200,000 seizure near Croom is part of a wider national strategy to intercept drug shipments, disrupt supply chains, and arrest those responsible.

“This seizure highlights our commitment to tackling drug trafficking in Ireland. We will continue to target organised crime groups and remove dangerous substances from our streets,” a Garda spokesperson stated.

With drug-related activity on the rise, authorities are increasing patrols, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement efforts to curb drug distribution at all levels.

Final Thoughts

The seizure of €200,000 worth of cocaine in Limerick is another major victory for law enforcement in the fight against drug crime. However, it also highlights the continued threat posed by organised drug networks operating in the region.

As authorities work to disrupt criminal activity and protect communities, it remains crucial for the public to stay informed, report illegal activity, and support efforts to combat drug-related harm in Ireland.

📌 If you have any information about drug-related crime, you can contact Gardaí confidentially on 1800 666 111.

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