Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 4:58pm

Gardai raid sophisticated 'cannabis factory' in Kells

An elaborate cannabis factory was uncovered during a search of a house at Headfort Road, Kells, in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

Gardai from the Meath Divisional Drugs Unit found a sopisticated cannabis factory and seized over €200,000 worth of cannabis plants and cannabis herb in the raid.

The house had been specifically modified for the cultivation of the drug, with the electricity supply by-passed and an air extraction system put in place. A total of 400 cannabis plants, three kilos of cannabis herb and various items of cultivational equipment also were seized.

The total street value for the seizure is believed to be in the region of €200,000, subject to further analysis of the substances seized.

Two males, aged 16 and 21 years, were arrested and were being detained yesterday at Kells Garda Station under Section 2 of The Drug Trafficking Act.

The search was carried out as part of a follow-up investigation into earlier drug seizures in Stillorgan, Dublin, on Monday afternoon when Gardai targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the Blackrock area of Dublin stopped and searched a car at Drummartin Link Road, Stillorgan.

The search resulted in five kilos of cannabis grass being recovered in the boot of the car and the 33 year-old male driver being arrested.

Follow-up investigations involved a house being searched on Mount Anville Wood, Stillorgan, later in the day, which revealed that the entire upstairs was being used as a cannabis factory.

In each of the four upstairs bedrooms there was a pot grow system with high-density lighting systems, reflective wall coverings and extensive ventilation and air extraction systems.

Approximately 500 cannabis plants and several more kilos of cannabis grass were discovered. A 33 year-old female was arrested at the scene. Two follow-up searches were carried out in Clondalkin and Crumlin but there were no seizures or arrests.