Athlone cocaine seizure "the biggest in years"

This morning's cocaine seizure in Athlone was described by a senior Garda as one of the biggest local drugs hauls in recent times.

The drugs are estimated to have a street value of €700,000.  

They was recovered during a 7am search of a house in Kilnamanagh, Clonown.  During the operation, local Gardai were assisted by the armed Regional Support Unit. 

A male and a female in their 20s, both with local addresses, were arrested and are currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of The Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996 at Athlone Garda Station.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination. 

Sergeant Andrew Haran commented on the "very substantial" quantity of drugs involved. 

"It's certainly one of the largest drugs seizures we would have had in recent times," he said.