Waterford premises searched as part of Cork crystal meth seizure investigation

The €32.8m haul of drugs seized in Co Cork last week. Picture: Garda Info/PA

A commercial premises in Waterford has been searched by gardaí leading the investigation into the discovery of crystal meth in the Port of Cork on Friday.

The search was carried out on Sunday while a number of premises in Kerry have also been searched following the €32.8 million worth haul of the drug by gardaí and Customs officers.

International enquiries are also taking place as the drug is understood to have been transported via Cork and was destined for Australia, gardaí believe.

A possible connection to the well-known Sinaloa cartel in Mexico is being investigated.

Two men arrested on Friday as part of the probe remain in custody this afternoon and can be held until at least Wednesday, according to a garda spokesman. 

Their period of detention was extended by 72 hours from Sunday morning, during a special court sitting of the district court in Kerry on Saturday.

The men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act. They are both in their 40s.

The Kerry searches are based in the north of the county, in the wider Tralee area, having gotten underway on Friday morning.

Members of the Defence Forces have also been involved in the ongoing operation.