Two gardaí allegedly seen using cocaine in Kildare nightclub

Garda management is treating allegations that two members were taking cocaine in a Kildare nightclub as an "internal disciplinary" matter.

A male and female garda were allegedly seen by nightclub staff taking cocaine in a bathroom area during a night out with other gardaí during the Christmas period. Staff alerted on-duty gardaí who arrived at the scene and spoke to the suspects.

It is understood one of the gardaí, who is stationed in the Midlands, claimed she had received the cocaine from another member of the force.

No arrests were made but investigating members secured warrants to search several premises, including one owned by another garda. No drugs were found in these searches.

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On Monday, a Garda spokeswoman confirmed an inquiry is active but said the force “does not comment on internal disciplinary investigations”.

When asked if the allegations are criminal in nature rather than disciplinary, the spokeswoman said: “At the moment, this matter is being treated as an internal investigation.”

As part of their inquiries, investigating gardaí interviewed members of staff in the nightclub and reviewed CCTV footage. They also examined the mobile phones of the two gardaí.

No drugs were found on the two gardaí when they were searched. It is understood one of the members admitted taking cocaine over the course of the evening and said another member of the force had given her the drug.

She said the amounts involved were small and were for personal use.

As well as possible criminal charges, the gardaí involved could face disciplinary sanctions including reduced pay, loss of rank and dismissal.