€3.4million worth of drugs found in pallets of lettuce destined for Ireland

€3.4million worth of cannabis has been seized in Spain, discovered in  pallets of lettuce in a lorry destined for Ireland.

Following a lengthy coordinated investigation by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Spanish Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil, five  people were arrested in a location situated north-west of Malaga, Spain on Sunday May 6, last, and cannabis herb valued at €3.4 million was seized.

The drugs were discovered among pallets of lettuce in a lorry destined for Ireland. Those arrested during the operation include four male Irish nationals aged 56, 45, 35 and 33 and one male Romanian national, aged 27. All five  remain in custody and have appeared before a Spanish magistrate.

Following the operation, Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll who has responsibility for Special Crime Operations (SCO) within the Garda Síochána said: "We are very grateful to the Spanish law enforcement authorities for their ongoing and very productive co-operation with the Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime groups operating in both Spain and Ireland. This Operation has dealt another significant blow to the capacity of the organised crime groups involved to continue their trade in controlled substances."