As a result of an ongoing operation targeting the existence of industrial cannabis cultivation sites in the Republic of Ireland (Operation Nitrogen) Gardaí from the Garda National Drugs Unit conducted a series of searches in the Laois/Offaly area earlier this evening, Thursday the 15th September 2011.
A cannabis growhouse was discovered at a warehouse in a rural location at Kyletalesha outside Portlaoise with 1500 plants and a sophisticated lighting and irrigation system in situe.
These plants have a potential street value of €600,000 - pending further analysis.
Three men and one woman were arrested at scene and are being detained at Tullamore Garda Station under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act.
They range in age from 35 to 42 years.
