Cannabis herb worth €20,000 seized in Kerry gardaí 'day of action'

Gardaí in Kenmare carried out house searches along with roadside searches and checkpoints

One of the roadside checkpoints in Kenmare. Picture: Gardaí

A major Garda operation has taken place in Co Kerry with a number of house and roadside searches in the Kenmare area being carried out. 

The day of action saw the seizure of cannabis herb with a value of €20,000, subject to analysis.

Gardaí in Kenmare were supported by the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, Detective Unit and the Kerry South Community Engagement Functional Area during the operation.

A spokesperson said: "A number of searches under warrant were executed at domestic residences across the area, along with roadside searches and checkpoints".

The searches resulted in: 

• 2 x Section 15 Misuse of Drugs Act detections;
• 3 x Section 3 Misuse of Drugs Act detections;
• 2 x checkpoints at which Crime Prevention Advice was given;
• 2x Mandatory Intoxicant Testing Checkpoints;
• 2x Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act roadside searches;
• 1x vehicle detained and disqualified driver arrested and charged.

Speaking about the day of action, Inspector Kevin Long said: "I wish to compliment the teamwork and professionalism of the South Kerry CEFA members and their detective colleagues in carrying out this successful day of action.

"Great time and effort went into making it happen and I am sure that it will have an impact in the locality by restricting the sale and supply of illegal drugs in the area and give the community confidence that An Garda Síochána are proactively identifying targets and taking action so as to improve the quality of life of those living within the community. 

"I further wish to reassure the community that the day of action does not end on the day — An Garda Síochána will be making follow-up arrests and further investigations so as to prosecute those involved".