THE Garda investigation into the killing of journalist Veronica Guerin led to the seizure of an estimated £1.2 million in illegal drugs over the past two days.
Cannabis resin worth £1 million was found in Harold's Cross, Dublin, while an estimated £200,000 worth of heroin was found in Co Kildare. Two men were detained.
Detectives have been focusing on the activities of one man they regard as the main suspect in the murder. The man appears to have been controlling a drugs and smuggled tobacco business with a turnover of £10 million a year.
Since Ms Guerin was shot dead, on June 26th, 200 gardai have been involved in the hunt for her killers. So far, they have carried out 172 searches of premises in Dublin and the surrounding counties, have arrested 77 people for questioning, and have recovered more than 60 illegal weapons. In addition, about £200,000 has been seized.
The investigation into the killing has been run by detectives based at Lucan. The Criminal Assets Bureau and the National Drugs Bureau have been targeting the main suspects' finances and drug operations.
Forensic experts were completing their examination yesterday evening of the small warehouse at Harold's Cross in which the cannabis resin was found on Sunday afternoon. Gardai had broken into the premises using sledgehammers on the metal door.
The warehouse, in the small Greenmount Industrial Estate, had been rented about a year ago. People running businesses beside it said two men were occasionally seen entering and leaving the premises in recent months but they never spoke with those working, nearby.
The interior of the small warehouse was untidy yesterday, with dozens of pieces of wood of varying sizes stacked against the walls.
People working nearby said there had been no sign of business activity at the warehouse recently - no building materials or other equipment were seen going into the building which became Vacant about two years ago when a manufacturer of fitted kitchens moved elsewhere.
Detectives believe couriers were bringing tens of thousands of pounds weekly to the criminal behind the illegal drug and tobacco network, who has been living in The Netherlands in recent months.