Updated: 19.50

NEARLY €40 million worth of herbal cannabis has been seized at Dublin Port this afternoon.

Gardaí, along with revenue and customs officers, found the haul hidden in a number of wooden containers. It is understood the crates were to be loaded onto vehicles and distributed to various area around the city.

They detected over 1,800 kilos of herbal cannabis worth €37.5 million.

In a statement released this evening, gardai said they conducted a “joint intelligence led operation with Revenue, the drugs & organised crime bureau supported by officers from the Dublin region.

A garda spokesman said: “This investigation resulted in the identification and interception of a consignment which arrived into Dublin. A subsequent search today the has resulted in the seizure of 1873 kilos of herbal cannabis.

“The controlled drugs seized have an estimated street value of €37.5 million. Joint investigations are continuing both domestically and internationally with regard to this significant seizure of controlled drugs destined for the Irish market.

Reacting to the news this evening, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald praised the work of Revenue and gardaí.

She said: “Week in, week out, the gardaí and customs work very closely in trying to prevent the importation of illicit drugs into the country and they have many successes. Today’s seizure, in particular, demonstrates their determination and resourcefulness in going after the activities of drugs gangs who seek to profit from causing such misery in communities through their deadly trade.”