NO Garda investigation has been carried out into "alleged leaks" about the surveillance operation which led to the seizure of 13 tons of illegal drugs at Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, last November.

The Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, in a written reply to Ms Liz O'Donnell, Progressive Democrats spokeswoman on justice, said the Garda authorities informed her that all decisions regarding the seizure were made "for operational reasons".

During Question Time, the Minister for Finance was asked by Mr Michael McDowell (PD) about the reported leaks about the operation. Mr Quinn said he was unable to confirm or deny the reports.

The drugs seizure was the subject of ongoing investigation by the Garda, Mr Quinn said. The Revenue Commissioners had informed him that Customs were not involved in any landing of prohibited drugs at Castletownbere, Co Cork, and were not informed by anyone of any proposal to land drugs.

By prior arrangement with the Garda, Customs were at Urlingford on November 8th where a large seizure of cannabis resin was made.

The seizure had been made by gardai before the arrival of Customs. He had no information about the circumstances surrounding the actual importation of the drugs seized.

He fully supported the comments in the House last week by the Minister for Justice about the need for great care in dealing with "what is obviously a very sensitive matter".

Mr McDowell asked if the Minister would deny "as a malicious falsehood" the claim that Customs had leaked information to the media and so compromised the operation.

Mr Quinn said if Mr McDowell had a specific point to make he should put down a question. "It would not be helpful for me to speculate about things about which I do not have information."