Issue Date: 12/07/2026
• GNDOCB led operations seize €9 million controlled drugs, 11 firearms and make 11 arrests in the last 7 days
As a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised criminal activity under Operation Tara, an operation was put place targeting a number of individuals and locations in the Laois and Kildare areas over the weekend of 10th to 12th July 2026.
The operation involved personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), supported by personnel from the Garda Eastern Region, the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Emergency Response Unit.
Searches were conducted at six locations in the Laois and Kildare areas which resulted in the seizure of 11 military grade firearms (3 machine guns and 8 pistols), ammunition and silencers as well as controlled drugs (heroin, cocaine and cannabis) with an estimated street value of more than €700,000.
Two men (both aged in their 40s) were arrested and are detained at stations in the Midlands under Section 50 of Criminal Justice 2007.
The firearms will be forwarded for technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.
The seized drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
Investigations are ongoing.
Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, Organised and Serious Crime, said:
"This seizure represents a significant disruption of organised criminal activity and demonstrates An Garda Síochána's commitment to protecting communities from those involved in serious and organised crime.
"The recovery of military-grade firearms, handguns and substantial quantities of illicit drugs has removed highly dangerous weapons and harmful substances from circulation, reducing the threat posed to the public and preventing significant criminal profits from being generated.
"This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the strong collaboration between An Garda Síochána and our national and international law enforcement partners. Organised crime groups operate across borders and exploit international supply chains, making cooperation and information sharing essential to our response.
"The targeting of firearms trafficking and drug trafficking remains a key priority under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), and aligns closely with priorities being advanced during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Today's results demonstrate the tangible impact that coordinated European and international action can have in disrupting the business models of organised crime groups.
"This seizure is the culmination of significant activity conducted under Operation Tara in the week commencing Monday 6th July 2026 involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Customs Revenue Service, the Dublin Crime Response Team, Divisional Drug Units from Cork, Mayo, Longford, Roscommon and Kildare and supported by Emergency Response Unit, Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit, the Ballistics Section and Forensic Science Ireland.
"In summary, in the past week 11 persons have been arrested for various offences under organised crime, firearms and drug trafficking legislation in operations carried out by An Garda Síochána. Over €9 million worth of controlled drugs including, heroin, cocaine and cannabis has been seized along with cannabis oil infused vapes and jellies aimed at our young people.”
The following operational activity under Operation Tara was carried out this week:
• Monday, 6th July 2026: Members of GNDOCB along with Revenue Customs service and the Cork Divisional Drugs Unit seized 83.5kg of cannabis herb valued at €1.67 million. One male was arrested and charged.
• Tuesday 7th July 2026: Members of GNDOCB along with Revenue Customs seized of €1.93million of cannabis herb at Hillcrest, Lucan. Three males were arrested and charged.
• Wednesday 8thJuly 2026: Seven searches carried out in the Midlands, West and East of the country, over €2million worth of various cannabis products seized. Three males were arrested and charged.
• Thursday 9th July 2026: Members of GNDOCB along with Revenue Customs service seized 23kg of cocaine valued at €1.6 million following the search of a container that had arrived into Dublin Port from South America.
• Thursday 9th July 2026: Members of GNDOCB and DMR North Divisional Drugs Unit along with Revenue Customs seized 73kg of cannabis herb valued at €1.46 million. Two males arrested at the scene and charged.
These seizures form part of Operation Tara; an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, launched in July 2021. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels – international, national, local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs
EMPACT stands for the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats. It provides for an integrated approach to EU internal security, involving measures that range from external border controls, police, customs and judicial cooperation to information management and training.
EMPACT tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. The initiative strengthens intelligence and strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners.
