Ballina Gardai discovered what's described as a "significant" quantity of cannabis plants this morning.

The discovery was made during a follow-up search, following earlier searches of three properties located in rural areas between Ballina and Killala, in which goods stolen during break-ins at premises across the county in recent weeks were recovered.

Uniformed Gardai and detectives carried out the searches under Operation Thor, and recovered stolen property worth tens of thousands of euro.

It's udnerstood the owners of the property have been identified.

One man was arrested and taken to Ballina Garda Station for questioning.

This evening, the man was charged with handling stolen property, and will appear before Ballina District Court tomorrow.

A file will be sent to the DPP in relation to further charges.