One of the biggest consignments of drugs ever found in the Republic was destined for the domestic market, Revenue and the Garda believe.

The haul, which is due to go on display on Saturday, weighs almost two tonnes. It was seized in a joint Revenue and Garda operation at Dublin Port.

The consignment of 1,873kg of herbal cannabis has an estimated street value of €37.5 million.

The size of the haul suggests it was shipped to Ireland by a supplier dealing with a coalition of drugs gangs from across the State rather than one group here.

It is not unusual for a number of criminal gangs to work together to pool their money and maximise their mark-up by buying in bulk and getting the cheapest wholesale price possible.

The consignment found on Friday had entered the Dublin Port in three crates wider than 40-foot containers carried by trucks.

The contents of the crates were disguised as machinery parts and expertly packed with the drugs hidden inside.

The origins of the cannabis, the most popular drug in the State, are still being investigated.

However, it is believed the haul likely began its journey to Ireland in Africa and came via Continental Europe.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the seizure saying it reflected the relentless work of Revenue and the Garda in joint operations to combat drug smuggling.

“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,” she said.

Minister of State Catherine Byrne, who is responsible for the national drugs strategy, said the seizure was “one of the biggest for years”.

“Drugs destroy lives. They are a scourge on our communities,” she said, adding her Fine Gael party would maintain pressure on organised crime.

“Numerous families across the country have been left devastated from the loss of loved ones who have succumbed to the grip of lethal drugs.”

The consignment is believed to be the biggest ever seizure of drugs in the State apart from those found in Irish waters as they sailed towards Ireland or just before landing on the coastline.

A statement from the Revenue Commissions said it was continuing to investigate the huge seizure with the Garda and law enforcement agencies in other countries.

However, it said the haul was destined for the domestic market, despite its size.

“As part of ongoing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups operating in this jurisdiction, a joint, intelligence-led operation was conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service and the Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau, supported by officers from the Dublin metropolitan region,” the statement said.

“This investigation resulted in the identification and interception of a consignment which arrived into Dublin.

“A subsequent search today has resulted in the seizure of 1,873kg of herbal cannabis. The controlled drugs seized have an estimated street value of €37.5 million.”