Nine charged following significant drugs and cash seizure in Galway

NINE people - seven men and two women - have been charged in connection with a significant drugs and cash seizure in County Galway.

The nine arrests were made on Thursday as part of Operation Clean Streets which is targeting the distribution of illegal drugs in the Ballinasloe Community Area.

"Gardaí and detectives attached to the Galway Division, along with Regional Support Units and Dog Units from the Garda Southern Division, conducted a number of searches across five residential properties in the Ballinasloe area, along with a yard and horse stables in Ballinasloe," confirmed a garda spokesperson.

During the searches, cocaine worth an estimated €9,500 and cannabis worth around €11,500 were seized along with a Drugs Press and other drugs paraphernalia. Gardai say €20,000 in cash was also seized during the operation.

Two men appeared before a special sitting of Loughrea District Court earlier this Friday and in an update, gardai say the other seven people have also been charged.

"The other five men and two women have been charged and released and will appear before the courts at a later date," said a spokesperson.

Investigations are ongoing.