A massive cannabis farm hidden inside a house in Westmeath was raided by gardai on Thursday.
Officers searched a home in Moate this afternoon and found a room full of suspected cannabis plants.
Gardai have seized the plants, which they say are worth an estimated €156,000.
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A man aged in his 50s has been arrested and is detained at Athlone Garda Station.
The search was made as part of Operation Tara - an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy.
Commenting on today’s raid, a Garda spokesperson said: “As part of Operation Tara, gardai have seized €156,000 of cannabis following a search in Co Westmeath today, Thursday, June 9, 2022.
“At approximately 12:45pm this afternoon, gardai conducted a search of a residential property in Moate, Co Westmeath.
“During the course of the search suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of €156,000 was discovered.
“A man in his 50s was arrested as a result and is currently detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Athlone Garda station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
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