Gardai in Galway have seized a substantial amount of cash and cocaine in Galway city.

Last night, at about 7.40pm, Gardai from the Divisional Drugs Unit in Galway stopped and searched a car on the M6 motorway near Loughrea where over €17,000 cash was seized.

In a follow-up operation, Gardai uncovered what's believed to be a cocaine processing laboratory at an address in Galway city, and seized cocaine with an estimated value of €50,000.

At this address, Gardai also seized a cocaine press, mixing agent, vacuum packer and industrial gas masks = believed to have been used in the manufacture of cocaine for sale or supply.

In a further search, Gardai seized €161,000 in cash at a separate premises in Galway City.

One man in his 20's was arrested following the detection on the M6, while a second man in his 30's was arrested at a property in Galway City.

Both men are being detained at Galway Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act.