A viral claim about certain chocolate bars being banned from an Irish store has been denied by gardai.
A post on Twitter went viral on Thursday after it featured an image of a sign stating that Animal Bars had been banned from a shop in Cork city at the request of gardai.
It was alleged that this was because the chocolate bars were constantly being stolen by heroin users who wanted to use the foil in the products' packaging.
READ MORE: Gardai warn over increase in motorists speeding away from petrol stations without paying
The move was described by people as "dystopian" and "ludicrous".
However, gardai have denied that they instructed the store to stop selling the bars.
A garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror that local gardai have visited the premises since the viral image was circulated and the shop has removed the sign.
They said: "Gardaí are aware of an image circulating on social media which refers to a sign displayed in a business premises in Cork. No such instruction or advice was issued by An Garda Síochána.
"Local Gardaí have liaised with the business and the sign has since been removed.
"Gardaí in Anglesea Street continue to support local businesses by issuing crime prevention advice and conducting regular, high visibility patrols."
The retailer which operates the store in question has been contacted for comment.
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
