Man arrested after €1.2m of cocaine seized at Cork Airport

Olivia Kelleher

A man in his 30s has been arrested following the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street value of over €1.2 million at Cork Airport.

The drugs were found in baggage items during a routine screening operation. Customs and Excise Officers became suspicious of the individual and searched a number of suitcases.

Up to 12kg of cannabis was found. The man had arrived on a flight from Faro in Portugal.

The man was taken to a Garda station in Cork for questioning. He is being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking Act, 1996.

He can be held for 24 hours. However, an application for an extension of the detention period can be  made if required.

The suspect packages will be forensically and technically examined.

This seizure is part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs.

If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.