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Gardaí in Cork have arrested and charged a man following a three-day intensive operation that led to the discovery of a significant cannabis cultivation site in Ballingeary, Co. Cork. The operation took place over the weekend from Sunday, 3rd September to Tuesday, 5th September 2023.
Operation Tara Unearths Drugs Worth Over €120,000
Under Operation Tara, a series of searches were conducted by the Cork West Divisional Drugs Unit at multiple locations in the Ballingeary area. These searches resulted in the seizure of over 140 mature suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of €112,800. Additionally, 405 grams of harvested suspected cannabis, worth an estimated €8,100 on the street, were also confiscated.
Multi-Agency Cooperation
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Southern Region Dog Unit, Cork County Divisional Drug Units, and the Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance (ESSC) Team from the Irish Defence Forces. The operation was intelligence-led and focused on curbing drug trafficking and production in the region.
Forensic Analysis and Legal Proceedings
The seized substances will undergo further analysis by Forensic Science Ireland to confirm their nature and composition. A male suspect in his 50s was arrested in connection with the drug seizures. He was detained at a Garda station in the Southern Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The individual has been charged and will appear before Macroom District Court at an unspecified later date. A file is also being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ongoing Investigations
Although this marks a significant win for Gardaí in the fight against drug-related crime, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the operation and to identify any additional suspects or accomplices.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the risks posed by drug cultivation and trafficking in local communities and underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling such issues.