An ice cream man has been arrested on suspicion of having packages of cocaine in his van while on his rounds, it emerged last night.
The driver was stopped by gardai just after lunch-time at the beginning of the month in the Ashbourne area of Co Meath.
He was initially pulled over by gardai on suspicion of driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence.
However, when officers searched the ice cream van, packages were found which they suspected to contain cocaine.
It is understood that the packages were discovered under a sun visor above the windscreen in the vehicle.
The ice cream man, who is in his 40s, was then arrested on suspicion of being in possession of the suspected cocaine.
He is also facing charges of driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence on the same date.
Gardai have confirmed the arrest.
In a statement, they said: “Gardai arrested a male aged in his 40s, following a search of a vehicle on August 1 at approximately 2.30pm in Ashbourne, Co Meath. A quantity of suspected cocaine was seized as a result of the search.”
The suspected cocaine has been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
Gardai have confirmed investigations are ongoing and in the meantime, the man is to appear before a sitting of Trim District Court next month in relation to the road traffic offences.
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