Cannabis factory uncovered in Co Dublin

Gardaí have discovered a cannabis growing factory producing industrial quantities of the drug in a warehouse in Newcastle, Co Dublin.

Three people were arrested and questioned at Clondalkin Garda Station, but they have since been released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Up to €250,000 worth of cannabis plants were seized in the premises. They were being grown including fertilizers, heat equipment and hydroponic facilities.

Operation Vacuum, which is led by the Garda National Drugs Unit, also involved other national units and drug units from Meath, Laois and Dublin.

A number of searches were carried out this morning in Newcastle, Navan, Clonee, Ballymun and Portarlington.