A professional footballer and his father have been arrested by the police in connection with an ongoing investigation into an organised drug trafficking network.

The player, reportedly in his 30s and yet to be publicly named, along with his father, was detained in Dublin last week on suspicion of offences linked to organised crime.

The arrests are part of an extensive police investigation involving multiple raids. During these operations, officers have seized over €3 million in drugs, alongside half a million euros in cash and luxury vehicles. Authorities suspect the gang’s activities extend across the east coast of Ireland, operating in areas such as Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, and Wexford, with potential connections to drug conspiracies in Cork.

The footballer’s father, in his 60s, and his son are believed to be key figures within the network. Both men, residents of Crumlin, were arrested on Thursday, 31 October.

A Garda spokesperson stated: “The man in his 60s arrested as part of this investigation has been released without charge, pending the submission of a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The two men in their 20s and 30s remain in Garda custody. Investigations are ongoing.

“The investigation targets individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and drug-related intimidation within a criminal organisation.”

According to Sunday World, a source has suggested the gang has been “making plenty of money” while operating discreetly under police radar.