Ireland Man charged over €4.2m cannabis seizure in Shannon, Co Clare
James Lawlor, a 40-year-old man from Firhouse, Dublin 24, was charged with two drug-related offences following a 210kg cannabis seizure valued at approximately €4.2 million at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon, Co Clare, on 26 May 2026. He was remanded in custody at Ennis District Court.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested26 May
- Charged27 May
2 reports - In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports23 statements extracted from the articles
- whatRevenue Officers seized 210 kilograms of suspected cannabis herb. (garda.ie)
- whatThe estimated value of the seizure was approximately €4,200,000. (garda.ie)
- whatOne male aged in his 40s was arrested by An Garda Síochána. (garda.ie)
- whatA large quantity of cannabis was seized on 26 May 2026. (garda.ie)
- what210kg of cannabis was seized (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe cannabis was valued at approximately €4.2 million (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe seizure was made in Co. Clare. (garda.ie)
- whereThe seizure took place at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe seizure took place on Tuesday 26 May 2026. (garda.ie)
- whenLawlor was arrested at 1.30pm on Wednesday at Shannon Garda station (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe man is detained in a Garda Station in County Clare under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe suspect was released from the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations into the matter are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- chargeThe suspect was charged with offences under Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84. (garda.ie)
- chargeLawlor is charged with having cannabis for the purpose of selling or otherwise, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLawlor is charged with having cannabis in his possession, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe suspect was brought before Ennis District Court on 27 May 2026. (garda.ie)
- courtThere is no application for bail for Lawlor (irishtimes.com)
- courtDPP directions are not yet available (irishtimes.com)
- courtLawlor was remanded in custody to appear via video-link from prison at Ennis District Court on 3 June 2026 (irishtimes.com)
- otherLawlor made no reply when cautioned on the Section 3 charge (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 27 May2026Man (40) charged in connection with €4.2m cannabis seizure in Co Clare
Court appearance details: two charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, Lawlor replied 'guilty as charged' to the Section 15 charge, no bail application, remanded in custody to appear via video-link on 3 June 2026.
suspect, James Lawlor, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Lawlor - 27 May202627/05/2026 (Update) Court Appearance - Joint Operation results in drug seizure valued at approximately €4.2 million
Confirms the suspect was released from Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, charged under Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84, and brought before Ennis District Court on 27 May 2026.
suspect, 40s, male - 26 May202627/05/2026 Joint Operation - Gardaí and Revenue Customs Service Seizes €4.2 million Cannabis- 26th May 2026
Official Garda press release confirming the seizure details, the joint operation partners, and the arrest of the man in his 40s under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
suspect, 40s, male