Soldier arrested after 'significant' quantity of drugs and cash seized at Cork barracks

Man of 'junior rank' was followed by detectives as he drove a military vehicle from Dublin to Collins Barracks and then searched him, the vehicle, and his accommodation block

The search of Collins Barracks was carried out in collaboration with gardaí.

Gardaí have arrested a soldier after a “significant” quantity of drugs and cash was found during a search at an army base in Cork.

The arrested man, who is described as of “junior rank”, was followed by detectives as he drove in a military vehicle from Dublin to Collins Barracks.

After he arrived, members of the Military Police closed the gates after him.

They are understood to have then waited for him to go to his accommodation in the barracks before they and Garda detectives stopped and questioned him about what he was doing.

They then searched him, the Defence Forces vehicle he had been driving, and his accommodation block.

The Irish Examiner has been told by sources a “significant amount” of both cash and drugs have been seized.

A Defence Forces spokesperson said: “We can confirm that following an investigation led by the Military Police, a search of sections of Collins Barracks, Cork, was carried out in collaboration with An Garda Síochána.

“During this operation, illegal substances and cash were discovered, leading to the arrest of a member of the Defence Forces.

“[They are], as a result, presently under investigation by An Garda Síochána.

“Additionally, a Defence Forces vehicle was handed over to An Garda Síochána for examination as part of this ongoing investigation.

“This is now a matter for An Garda Síochána and the MPs will assist with the investigation.”

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s following the seizure of suspected drugs and cash near the Old Youghal Road in Cork on Wednesday evening.

"The man is currently detained at Cork Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996."