Crystal meth seizure proof that drug cartels 'are using Ireland as a staging post'

A previous find of drugs including crystal meth. A source has said the half a tonne of suspected meth seized in Cork was the first time authorities 'definitely' established that drugs were being shipped through Ireland to another country. Stock picture: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí investigating the seizure of a landmark haul of crystal meth in the Port of Cork say the seizure is proof that Ireland is now being used as a “staging post” by international drug smuggling cartels.

As officers continued on Monday night to question two men who had been arrested in Kerry following Friday’s seizure, it is expected that a decision to either release or charge them in connection with the €32.8m haul will not be made until Wednesday.