Two men still being questioned in relation to suspected crystal meth

The men in their 40s continue to be questioned at a garda station in the south west in connection with what is believed to be the biggest ever haul of crystal meth in Ireland

The two men are being questioned by gardaí in relation to the seizure of half a tonne of suspected methamphetamine, crystal meth, at the container terminal at Ringaskiddy Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

Two men in their 40s continue to be questioned at a garda station in the south west in connection with what is believed to be the biggest ever haul of crystal meth in the country.

The questioning continued for a third day on Sunday after the seizure of an estimated €32.8m worth of the drug in the Port of Cork on Friday.

The men were brought before a sitting of the District Court in Kerry at 8pm on Saturday to have their period of detention extended.

They are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Tight security surrounded their appearance with large numbers of gardaí present as the men were brought before the court.

The men arrived separately in garda vans. Their arrival was some time apart and a cordon of gardaí surrounded the courthouse involved.

The men were brought in and led from the court separately and some minutes apart from each other.

The State has until Wednesday morning to charge or release them.

The 72-hour extension from Sunday morning was granted after a report handed into court by gardaí detailed a large body of material including film footage that will be put to the pair, the court was told.

The men who have been arrested enjoy the presumption of innocence and cannot be identified, the court ordered.

The quantity and value of the synthetic drug seized in Cork in the investigation by Kerry gardaí and Customs officers has caused widespread shock in Kerry.

Searches of premises, dwellings, and sheds concentrated in the north of the county, so far, have been underway since Friday morning.

Heavy machinery has been used in one search, it is understood, while it is also believed the Defence Forces has been involved in the searches alongside gardaí.