Gardaí investigate 'vast wealth' earned by gang involved with vape products 

Last Friday’s operation involved a significant use of garda resources — led at a national level and spanning five counties. File picture

Gardaí are targeting the “vast wealth” earned by a gang operating a nationwide wholesale trade in suspected illegal vapes and cannabis products.

Two brothers, with dual Irish-Pakistani citizenship, are the suspected leaders of the outfit.

Their network was hit in recent days in a search operation across five counties involving more than 100 gardaí.

Officers searched vape shops and warehouses in Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Wexford, and Carlow and seized vapes and cannabis-based products worth an estimated €3m.

In a statement, Garda HQ said they confiscated more than €235,000 in cash, £3,000, and $3,500, and a number of high-value vehicles.

It said the operation was led by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, assisted by other national specialist units and local gardaí in the five counties involved.

Samples of the seized products have been sent to Forensic Science Ireland, where technicians will examine the contents of the products and check for synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural cannabinoids.

“This is a massive market,” one security source said. “Young people — kids — are buying from these shops and have no idea what they are taking. They are taking major risks as these products are dangerous.

“The owners couldn’t care less and are being investigated for organised crime.”

The brothers are estimated to have earned “vast wealth” from the business — but it is now being closely examined.

“They are displaying serious wealth, and that’s all being looked at,” the security source said. “They have houses that have a lot of money put into them.”

Last August, the HSE issued a public warning after conducting laboratory analysis of vape product samples seized during 2026.

It said this identified “high-risk cannabinoids” in vapes, vape juice, and other products such as “edibles”.

The edibles, typically jellies or “gummies”, are sold in glossy, multicoloured packets.

The HSE said: “These substances have been linked to serious physical and mental health harms, including losing consciousness, severe intoxication, withdrawal, and cases of psychosis across different counties.”

Significant operation

Last Friday’s operation involved a significant use of garda resources — led at a national level and spanning five counties. Co-ordinated raids were carried out, and a substantial amount of material was taken away for testing and examination.

“Volumes of evidence has been gathered,” a security source said, adding it will be categorised and examined.

No arrests were made, but sources said it was a search operation and that any arrests will come at the end of the investigation.

The statement from Garda HQ said: “As part of an ongoing operation targeting an organised crime group involved in the sale and supply of illegal vapes and cannabis products throughout the country, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau searched properties in Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Wexford, and Carlow.

“More than 100 gardaí attached to [the bureau], national specialist units and other units in those counties were involved in the searches.”

It added: “Illegal vapes and cannabis-based products with an estimated street value totalling more than €3m were seized, along with more than €235,000 in cash, £3,000 in sterling, $3,500 in US dollars, and a number of high-value vehicles.”

The HSE said the products can be “mislabelled” as CBD or other cannabinoids but actually contain synthetic cannabinoids or HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.

Eamon Keenan, HSE clinical lead for addiction services, said: “We are concerned that high-risk cannabinoids are being sold through shops and the black market across Ireland. We are particularly concerned about the effects on young people who buy vapes and edibles and are not aware that they are exposed to these harmful substances.”

• HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline: 1800-459459.
• Cormac O’Keeffe is Security Correspondent.