€1.5M COCAINE AND CASH DETECTIVISTS

Operation significant but not fatal for Traveller crime gang

- JOHN HAND

GARDAI seized €1.2m worth of cocaine from a notorious Traveller mob who have risen to become one of the most significant drug gangs in the country.

The coke was found when detectives from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau acting on intelligence intercepted two cars in The Ward area of North Dublin on Monday evening.

More than €350,000 in cash was later discovered in three business premises, six homes and other lands.

Due to the gang's habit of burying drugs and weapons, the Defence Forces used metal detectors in fields and sheds.

Inside one, two bags of cash were discovered with €350,000 and £28,000 (€32,500). Financial documentation, vehicles, electronic devices, a money counter and a vacuum-packing machine were also taken to be examined.