A number of staff at the National Ambulance Service in Dublin are understood to have been suspended from duty after a significant amount of illegal drugs were discovered in a HSE vehicle.

The staff are also the subject of a Garda inquiry.

At least two members of the service are thought be involved in the investigation which began after management of the ambulance service reported the discovery of the drugs to officers in a Dublin station.

Gardaí confirmed that an investigation had begun and said it was launched “after a number of matters” were reported by HSE management, but declined to reveal any further details on the nature of the inquiry.

Both the Garda and the HSE said their investigations were ongoing.