As part of an ongoing operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardaí in Co Galway seized around €179,000 worth of cocaine in Loughrea yesterday.
Seven properties in the town were searched under warrant and 2.5 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of €175,000 was recovered by a Garda Dog in an open area.
€4,000 in cash was also seized at that address.
At another house, €3,750 worth of cocaine and a weighing scales was recovered.
In a further search, €350 worth of cocaine and €400 worth of cannabis was seized.
Two men, aged in their 40s and 20s, were arrested and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
They were subsequently released without charge pending the preparation of files for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
A Garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.
