GARDAÍ SEIZED 400 cannabis plants in a ‘grow house’ in Kilbeggan in Westmeath today, arresting a 34-year-old man at the scene.

The plants are thought to have a potential street value of up to €160,000.

The raid on the so-called ‘grow house’ took place as part of an ongoing operation in Kildare and Westmeath targeting such premises.

Sophisticated equipment used in the cultivation of cannabis was also found during today’s search, the Garda National Drugs Unit said.

A follow-up search in Rathangan in Kildare also uncovered more equipment used in growing the plants.

The man arrested at the scene is being detained at Naas Garda Station under section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act.