Ireland seizes massive cannabis haul

Irish police Friday seized a massive herbal cannabis haul at Dublin Port, with an estimated street value of 37.5 million euros (40.1 million U.S. dollars).

The seizure was made as part of an investigation by Irish police and and officers from the country's Customs Service.

It is the largest drug seizure in the country in years and is the result of an ongoing investigation into a Dublin-based criminal gang.

The drugs were discovered concealed in "wide load" containers which were labelled as containing machinery parts.

The 1,873 kgs of cannabis arrived at the port on a ship from Europe.

The drugs were vacuum packed and concealed to avoid detention by X-rays and sniffer dogs. No arrests have been made. Irish authorities believe the drugs were destined for the Irish market.

According to an Irish police spokesman, related investigations are continuing both in Ireland and internationally.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald commended the police and the Customs Service for the seizure.

"Week in week out the police and customs work very closely in trying to prevent the importation of illicit drugs into the country and they have many successes," she said.

"Today's seizure, in particular, demonstrates their determination and resourcefulness in going after the activities of drugs gangs who seek to profit from causing such misery in communities through their deadly trade," she added. Endit