Three cannabis factories discovered

GARDAÍ discovered three more large-scale cannabis factories at the weekend.

And in a fourth operation, officers from the Garda National Drugs Unit targeted a drug network in Dublin.

Detectives found cocaine with an estimated street value of €21,000, along with a firearm and ammunition.

A man is his 40s was arrested and is due to be charged this morning.

In the first of the operations targeting cannabis factories, gardaí in the Mayo division searched a premises in Swinford on Friday evening.

Up to 1,000 cannabis plants were discovered in the premises in The Square in the town, with an estimated street value of €400,000.

Detectives said the premises had been renovated into a “sophisticated” cannabis growing factory and that “extensive lighting and ventilation systems” had been installed.

Investigations are continuing.

In a second operation on Friday, gardaí searched a premises in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Gardaí said a cannabis factory was discovered, which had the capability of producing a “substantial amount” of the drug. No one was arrested at the house, but inquiries are continuing.

Then on Saturday, gardaí at Borrisokane in Tipperary searched a business premises on Main Street and seized 1,500 plants and a quantity of cannabis herb.

Gardaí said the combined street value was in the region of €900,000. Gardaí said the premises had been renovated into a “sophisticated” operation.

A large amount of cultivation paraphernalia was found. No arrests were made.

Also on Saturday, a house was searched in Donomore Park in the Tallaght area of south west Dublin

A man is expected to appear at Tallaght District Court this morning where he is due to face charges.