Three arrested after cannabis-growing operation discovered in Cork

Gardaí have arrested three men after discovering a cannabis cultivation operation in Youghal, Co Cork last night.

Gardaí searched a business premises at an industrial estate at Springfield, Youghal, at 11pm.

A large quantity of cannabis plants were discovered growing in the building. The exact number of plants is not known at this time. They may, pending analysis, have a street value in excess of €500,000.

Three men, one in his 20s and two in their 30s, were arrested at the scene.

They are detained at Midleton and Cobh garda stations under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

The area remains sealed off and a complete examination of the scene is being carried out today by Garda forensic experts.