18 firearms seized as part of garda operation in Louth

A member of the Garda Siochana. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Gardaí have seized 18 firearms and around 900 rounds of ammunition in Louth on Friday afternoon.

As part of an ongoing intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime, officers carried out a search of a premises on the outskirts of Ardee at around 2pm.

During the course of this search, they seized 6 AR-15 assault rifles and 12 semi-automatic 9mm handguns. 

Approximately 900 rounds of 9mm and .223 ammunition were also discovered and seized by gardaí.

A number of follow-on searches were later carried out at several properties in the county, with assistance provided by the Louth Divisional Crime Unit, Louth Drug Units as well as the Garda Dog Unit.

Two men (30s) were arrested suspicion of participation in the activities of a criminal organisation to facilitate firearms trafficking.

Both men are currently detained.

Speaking tonight, Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, Justin Kelly said: "Today’s seizure of firearms and ammunition is particularly significant. These would have undoubtedly been used to maim, kill and intimidate those in communities across Ireland.

"Weapons such as those seized by Gardaí today are the lifeblood of organised criminal groups - who often use violence as part of their drug trafficking operations.

"I wish to commend the dedication of all the Gardaí involved in this operation. Operations like todays demonstrate our determination to make Ireland a hostile environment for organised criminal groups to operate.”