Gardai have alleged they discovered a cannabis jelly operation at an apartment complex in Finglas - a senior officer blamed illegal sweatshops for several children being hospitalized.
A successful search for cocaine in an apartment in Dublin led gardaí to a second apartment where they discovered a "sophisticated" manufacturing operation producing the illegal sweets.
Yesterday at 10:20 a.m., Garda searched the first residence in south Finglas and found €20,000 worth of suspected cocaine. Cash and tablets were also discovered.
A lady in her 30s and a man in his 20s were detained for questioning under drug trafficking laws after being captured and brought to Finglas Garda Station.
In a downstairs bedroom and an above hot press, a suspected cannabis grow house was found by Garda during a follow-up search in another apartment building at the same complex.
A complex operation suspected of producing cannabis jellies was also discovered by the garda, complete with culinary tools, jelly molds, food coloring, and cannabis oils.
The Garda's seized a sizable quantity of pre-packaged cannabis jelly.
Three men—two in their 30s and one in his 50s—were detained at Finglas and Blanchardstown garda stations for questioning in accordance with drug trafficking laws after being apprehended on the spot. They may only be detained for a total of seven days.
According to Blanchardstown Garda Station Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, several kids have fallen ill after consuming cannabis jelly.
"I applaud the findings of these searches, which were conducted by local Garda in the Finglas area with the assistance of regional and national units, who worked arduously to maintain the safety of the residents of Finglas and the larger Dublin Region.
"The discovery and subsequent dismantling of what looks to be a cannabis jelly manufacturing enterprise is quite concerning. As a result of consuming cannabis jelly products, we have already witnessed a number of hospitalized, gravely ill youngsters.
"Organized crime groups are making an evil, blatant attempt to normalize their unlawful actions by producing these products.
"These items, which are made to seem like typical edible jellies, are dangerous for everyone who consumes them, not only kids. In order to do all possible to stop such items from spreading throughout our communities, An Garda Sochána will continue to collaborate with all pertinent agencies, he said.
In addition to a cryptocurrency mining equipment, the garda also found suspected cocaine worth €100,000 and cannabis worth €200,000 when searching this apartment complex's common areas.
The 30-year-old lady who was detained has now been charged and released on bail with a court date of December 9 appearance.
A file is being created for the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the 20-year-old male has subsequently been freed without being charged.
The three additional men that were detained are still in custody.
