Gardaí probe possible Breaking Bad-style meth lab in Dublin

Gardai are trying to establish if two men disturbed making a chemical mix in an underground car park were producing methamphetamine.

The drug, the production of which forms the basis for the popular Breaking Bad US crime drama TV series, is gaining in popularity in Ireland, though seizures are still rare.

Garda sources said a number of barrels and other containers taken from the site of the incident in Dublin have been found to contain hydrochloric acid and iodine, which are both used in the production of the highly addictive drug.

The carpark where the incident occurred is used by patrons of a bar on the Old Blessington Rd close to the centre of Tallaght village.

The Irish Times understands two men were seen on Monday night mixing substances in large barrels by people using the carpark, who then alerted gardaí.

When members of the force arrived at the scene at around 9pm, they were spotted by the two men. The suspects fled on foot and escaped the vicinity despite a search for them.

The area was sealed off as gardaí feared the suspect material was being readied to produce explosives.

When gardaí were unable to establish what was in the barrels, they requested the services of the Army’s bomb disposal team. It examines and makes safe chemicals and other hazardous material as well as bombs and other explosives.

Sources said the tests on some of what was found were inconclusive, though some of the vessels contained iodine and hydrochloric acid.

The same sources said while both substances can be used in the production of methamphetamine, it was not clear what the chemicals were being mixed for.

The possibility the men were preparing a substance to create explosive material has not been completely discounted.

The haul of chemicals seized has been taken away for further analysis and disposal.

Gardaí are studying CCTV from the carpark in question and surrounding streets.