A man has been arrested after a substance used as a mixing or cutting agent for high purity cocaine was seized in Co Louth.

Gardaí stopped a northern-registered car on the M1 at Whiterath, after seeing it being driven erratically on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old driver was arrested on the roadside and taken to Dundalk Garda station.

A sample was taken from him and he was charged to appear at the next court sitting.

A search of the car found a large quantity of powder in plastic containers.

Image: An Garda Síochána

Approximately 120 kilos was recovered and it has been confirmed to be benzocaine.

While this is not a controlled drug, it is used as a mixing or cutting agent for high purity cocaine.

The estimated street value of the seizure is more than €50,000.

On Friday, the man was re-arrested following his release on bail for the road traffic offences.

He was detained at Drogheda Garda station under Section 4 of Criminal Justice Act.

He has been charged in relation to this investigation and is due to appear before a special sitting of a district court later.