A major cocaine seizure worth an estimated €5.25 million in County Monaghan has been linked to a notorious organised crime group from Dublin known as “The Family.”
The drugs were discovered during a targeted operation carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) working alongside Revenue Customs officers and local Garda units.
Investigators moved in on a suspected drugs transfer at a business premises near Carrickmacross in County Monaghan after intelligence suggested a large shipment of cocaine had been transported into the country.
During the operation, officers searched a lorry transporting a load of fruit from Belgium to Ireland. Gardaí discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine concealed inside a sophisticated hidden compartment within the vehicle.
Detectives believe the drugs were in the process of being transferred from the lorry to a van at a yard outside Carrickmacross when officers moved in and seized the shipment.
A man in his 50s, believed to be the driver of the lorry, was arrested at the scene. A woman in her 40s, understood to be connected to the operation, was also detained by Gardaí.
Both suspects were taken to Garda stations in the region where they are being questioned under legislation used in serious drug trafficking investigations.
Authorities believe the cocaine seizure is linked to the west Dublin organised crime gang known as “The Family.” The group has long been associated with large-scale drug trafficking operations and international supply networks.
The investigation also involved cooperation with Belgian authorities, highlighting the international nature of the suspected trafficking route used to move cocaine into Ireland.
The drugs seized will now undergo forensic examination, while investigators continue to examine vehicles, communications and financial records as part of the wider investigation.
Gardaí have said further arrests have not been ruled out as enquiries continue.
