Gardaí have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of two stolen blank bank drafts during private car sales in Meath and Dublin.

SECURITY authorities have expressed concern at growing links between dissident republicans and violent drug gangs in Dublin after a bomb was discovered in a car on the M50 motorway on Thursday night.

A truck driver found in possession of cocaine and cannabis worth almost €16m was jailed for five years today.

A 28-year-old truck driver found in possession of almost €16m worth of cocaine and cannabis resin has been remanded in custody for sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.