Wicklow gardaí seize €500,000 worth of cannabis plants

An elaborate cannabis growing factory containing more than 1,000 plants with an estimated street value of €500,000 has been found by gardaí.

The discovery was made in a large detached rural house in the Courtfoyle area of Ashford, Co Wicklow, yesterday afternoon.

Technical officers have remained at the rented property and are examining the plants and array of equipment, which is believed to include humidifiers and heaters.

The seizure was made as part of an ongoing operation by members of the national drugs unit and local officers.

A garda spokesman said cannabis plants were at various stages of growth and, subject to analysis, have a potential street value of €500,000.

No arrests have been made and investigations are on-going.