As part of on-going intelligence-led operations targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Westmeath area Gardai have seized heroin and arrested one male.

The 35 year old man who was arrested on Wednesday the 11th May in connection with a drugs seizure near Kinnegad appeared before the Criminal Courts Of Justice, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8 yesterday evening.

Originally Gardai from the Westmeath Divisional Drug Unit stopped a car near Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath around 7.30pm on the 11th May . A 35 year old man who was driving the vehicle alone, was arrested and brought to and detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996 at Mullingar Garda Station. Heroin (pending analysis) with an estimated street value of up to €45,000 was seized.

These operations use advanced analytical and intelligence methods to disrupt criminals and dismantle their networks. Drug seizures play a critical role in targeting the livelihood of criminals and reducing their ability to carry out illegal activities. Drug seizures also help protect communities from the devastating impact of drugs and the associated criminality.