A man walking on an isolated Co Donegal beach has discovered what is thought to be a consignment of drugs worth more than €2 million.
The discovery was made at Tramore Beach around 9.30am on the outskirts of the seaside village of Dunfanaghy earlier this morning.
The drugs, wrapped in black plastic and bound by a rope, were found on the edge of the water at the remote beach.
The quick-thinking walker dragged the suitcase-sized bale up the beach and then tied it to a plank of wood after fearing it would be washed out to sea again.
The man then contacted Gardai to alert them of his find.
The large quantity of drugs discovered on a remote beach in North Donegal. (NW Newspix)
Gardai rushed to the scene and secured the area.
Just an hour earlier it is understood that another similar package was washed up further along the coastline at Fanad Head at Ballyhiernan Beach.
The finds have sparked a huge search along the coastline involving Gardai and the Garda helicopter.
The Garda helicopter is currently securing the area in case other drug consignments are washed up.
Gardai have not yet analysed the find but a spokesperson said they have sent a sample of the find away for analysis.
Sources say both packages could weigh up to 40 kilogrammes and could have a street value of more than €2 million.
There are also unconfirmed reports that Garda had been monitoring the activities of marine vessels over the weekend after a tip-off that a board with drugs was due to land along the coastline.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed the substances found in the large parcels have been sent away for analysis.
The spokesperson said “An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the circumstances of the discovery of a number of packages along the North Donegal Coastline.
“The packages contain substance which is believed to be a controlled drug, subject to analysis and confirmation by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
Garda forensic officers examine the drugs cache discoverd by a beach walker at a remote beach in North Donegal. (NW Newspix)
“An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”
Officers from the Garda Forensics Unit arrived at the scene of the Tramore Beach find late this afternoon to take samples and secure the scene.
Gardai have confirmed that their search will continue for a number of days for more possible package.
A spokesperson said “Assistance will be provided by the Garda Air Support Unit and the Garda Water Unit, along with other state and voluntary services to search along the North Donegal/ Fanad Head Coastline this evening and in the coming days.
The investigation is being overseen by officers at Milford Garda station.
Tramore Beach is only accessible by foot over sand-dunes and has been voted one of Ireland’s most scenic beaches in recent years.
