Gardaí are awaiting the results of forensic tests as they try to establish the origin of more than €18,000 in cash handed into Bandon Garda station by a man who found it hidden in a ditch.
The man found the cash in a bag while walking near Kilbrittain, Co Cork, on Thursday. Gardaí are looking at the possibility the cash was stolen or being used to buy drugs. They are awaiting results of tests for DNA and fingerprint evidence.
Meanwhile, gardaí in Kanturk in north Cork have begun an inquiry after a three-man gang broke into a house on Wednesday night when the owners were away and stole €60,000. They were disturbed when the son of the owners returned home, and pushed him out of the way as they fled.
Gardaí believe the gang made their getaway in a silver car and have appealed to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in Newmarket town on Wednesday evening to contact them at Kanturk Garda station on 029-50002.