Gardaí uncover major cannabis factory in Dublin

Three men have been arrested after the discovery of a major cannabis factory, gardaí said today.

Around 650 plants worth an estimated €200,000 were seized on the garda raid on the premises at Greenogue, Newcastle in Co Dublin yesterday.

As part of the operation, further searches were carried out at locations in Navan, Clonee, Ballymun and Portarlington.

A further 40 plants were seized at the Navan site, along with various drugs paraphernalia bringing the total estimated value of seizures to approximately €250,000.

The men arrested are aged 24, 26 and 52, and are all Irish citizens.

They are currently being detained at Clondalkin garda station under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act.

A garda spokesman urged landlords to ensure no similar operations are being conducted in their premises.

"Those operating cannabis grow sites apply accelerated growth techniques utilising technology and artificial heat treatment facilities, resulting, in some cases, to cannabis growth at an industrial level," he said.

"Grow sites have previously been located in private residences and commercial properties and in many cases these properties are rented.

"Owners of such properties should ensure that they are aware of the activities taken place on their properties.

"In addition, neighbours and others, have a social responsibility to pass on any relevant information to the gardaí."