Drug gang using army-style assault weapons

Gardaí in Dublin said they are surprised that criminals are using assault weapons – similar to those used by the Irish army.

Five firearms, including three sub-machine guns were seized – along with €5.2m worth of heroin and cocaine in the course of the investigation.

Gardaí say they have disrupted a Clondalkin-Ballyfermot based gang with international connections with this operation.

Firearm and drugs seizures were made on Monday and Tuesday in Ballyfermot and Bluebell.

As part of the ongoing operation, gardaí seized €5.2m worth of heroin and cocaine, as well as three submachine guns and two handguns.

Detective Inspector Colm O’Malley, who is leading the investigation, said it is a surprising development.

A 39-year-old man appeared in court this morning charged with drugs and firearms offences. He has been remanded in custody to appear in court again next Wednesday.

Superintendent Brendan Connolly said it was " a significant seizure of heroin."

"This operation has caused major disruption to [this] gang," he said.