Seized cash was to be used to buy drugs

Gardaí suspect that a “huge seizure” of cash — €350,000 in vacuum-packed bags — was about to be smuggled abroad to pay for a massive drugs or firearms shipment.

Officers believe the haul comprised cash contributions from a consortium of organised criminal gangs who had clubbed together.

It is understood at least some of the criminals behind the operation have connections with the Kinahan crime cartel, which is linked to six murders in its feud with the Hutch gang.