€33m worth of drugs seized in Cork confirmed to be crystal meth
But Garda Quote">irish Press
The massive drug haul seized in Cork last Friday is crystal methamphetamine, the can confirm.
Reports emerged earlier on Thursday, which were initially confirmed by some security sources, that the drugs had been tested as crystal MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
This was supposed to have been the finding of tests on samples of the drugs by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), the national scientific authority that conducts examinations of drugs seized by law enforcement agencies.
The Garda Press Office declined to comment on the matter earlier, but subsequent inquiries by the have confirmed that the drugs are indeed crystal meth, in line with the analysis of FSI tests.
Gardaí believe the half tonne of crystal meth seized at Ringaskiddy was due to be exported out of the country, to Australia.
While a value of almost €33m has been placed on the 546kgs, sources say that relates to Ireland, but that it would be worth many multiples of that in Australia given the high price it attracts there.
While MDMA typically comes in tablet or powder form, it can also come in a crystalline form — which is a purer form of ecstasy.
Crystal MDMA is popular in some countries, including Australia, where the crystal meth seized on Friday is believed to be destined for, but it is very rare for it to be seized in such huge quantities.
Both Irish and European experts contacted have said major hauls of crystal MDMA are “highly unusual”.
The Netherlands and Belgium are estimated to be the biggest producers of MDMA globally.
The development comes as investigators continue to question two men arrested last Friday in relation to the drug seizure.
A number of searches were carried out, centred on a large retail outlet in Kerry, with other searches in Cork and Waterford.
The two men will have to be released or charged before Friday. Seven days in the maximum period of detention possible under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.
The Kerry Divisional Drug Unit is leading the investigation and members are trawling through records and documents, both paper and digital, that have been taken in the searches.