Dublin man arrested in connection with €7m drug haul did not have a "profile in terms of organised crime"

An estimated €7 million worth of cannabis herb was seized at Dublin Port today after a joint operation between gardai and customs officers.

It is understood that a number of criminal gangs “clubbed together” to organise the shipment which arrived into the port on a container from Spain.

The arrested Blackrock man does not have a previous profile in terms of organised crime, according to sources.

Earlier today, as part of routine profiling, Revenue Customs officers and members of An Garda Síochána attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) conducted a joint operation which resulted in the seizure of 352 kilogrammes of herbal cannabis with an estimated value in excess of €7 million,” a garda spokesman said.

“The illegal drugs arrived in a container from Spain through Dublin Port.

“Three males aged 31, 47 and 49, were subsequently arrested by Gardaí and are currently detained pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996 at Garda stations in Dublin City. Searches are continuing throughout the afternoon and investigations are ongoing.

“This operation was part of ongoing joint investigations targeting the illegal activities of organised crime groups,” he added.

Searches and investigations were ongoing tonight.

“The collaboration between both agencies as well as international colleagues was significant in the successful outcome of this operation,” a Revenue spokesperson said.