Man due in court following discovery of growhouse during garda searches

A man has been charged by gardai following the discovery of a growhouse during searches of a property in County Monaghan.

As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and distribution of drugs, gardaí say they seized €350,000 of suspected illegal cannabis plants and herbal cannabis, during the search of a home in Castleblayney on Friday. 

"During the course of the search under warrant, a growhouse was discovered containing 57 cannabis plants, along with 13 vacuum bags of dried cannabis herb, with a combined approximate value of €350,000," said a garda spokesperson.

Friday's operation was carried out by Monaghan Divisional Drugs Unit and the drugs seized will now undergo further analysis with Forensic Science Ireland.

The man, aged in his 20’s, who was arrested in connection with the investigation was detained at a Garda station in the Co. Monaghan area pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He has since been charged and is expected to appear before a special sitting of Monaghan District Court later this Saturday.

Investigations are ongoing.