A man in his 30s arrested following the seizure of close to €30,000 worth of suspected cocaine and the discovery of a cannabis grow farm in county Longford on Tuesday afternoon has been released without charge.

Members from the Gardaí’s Armed Support Unit (ASU) together with officers attached to the Longford Divisional Drugs Unit and uniformed gardaí made the discovery following an intelligence-led operation in the Cloonee area of the county yesterday afternoon.

The Irish Independent can confirm approximately €28,000 worth of suspected cocaine together with €6,260 in cash was seized during the search.

Grow Farm Discovery

A short time later and during a follow-up operation, a cannabis grow farm which gardaí have described as being in its “early stages of construction” was discovered.

“The searches were carried out by the Longford Divisional Drugs Unit, Western Region Armed Support Unit, Roads Policing Unit Longford, as well as officers from Longford Community Engagement and Granard,” said a garda spokesperson.

The male suspect was detained and questioned for a number of hours at a local garda station before being released without charge.

A garda spokesperson confirmed a file will now be readied for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP0 to determine the next course of the investigation.

“The man aged in his 30s has now been released without charge,” said the spokesperson.

“A file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing.”

Operation Tara

Details surrounding yesterday’s seizure is the latest high profile discovery to be made under Operation Tara, an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021.

Its initiation was ushered in to focus on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting drug trafficking networks at international, national, and local levels alongside the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.

A Blow Against Drug Trafficking

The operation is a testament to the Garda's commitment to tackling the drug trade in Ireland. The successful seizure of drugs and the dismantling of the cannabis grow farm in Longford sends a clear message that gardaí are actively pursuing those involved in illegal drug activity.

This operation is a significant win in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Ireland. It showcases the Garda's determination to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities from the devastating impact of illegal drugs. The release of the suspect without charge does not diminish the importance of the operation. It highlights the importance of ongoing investigations and the commitment of the Gardaí to pursuing justice in these cases.