Exclusive: A dopey Donegal dope-dealer’s huge haul was worthless because he did not how to properly grow cannabis plants, it has emerged.

Gardai raided a premises in Kilmacrennan on Tuesday after a major surveillance operation.

Drugs officers seized more than 140 cannabis plants in two different sheds which were thought to be worth more than €100,000.

The officers swooped at an address in the townland of Leitir on Tuesday afternoon.

The sheds contained plants as well as various growing equipment including electric lamps and other equipment.

The plants, some of which were up to 15 ft tall, were thought to be worth an average of €800 each.

But when the plants were examined it was realised the plants were worthless.

A Garda source revealed “The vast majority of the plants were male plants and are worthless on their own.

“We can’t understand why someone went to so much trouble when here was no worth in the end product.

“The Garda operation was successful but the price of the haul is worth nothing at all really.”

A man was questioned after being detained by Gardai.

A file on the matter has been compiled and it to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration

It is understood the suspect could still be charged with cultivation of the plants.