Eight arrests made as part of crackdown into organised crime in Limerick

Gardaí also had to call in the army after a viable explosive device was found in a field in the Limerick area

A garda spokesperson said that all evidence seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further examination.

Eight people have been arrested as part of a major crackdown on organised crime in Co Limerick on Tuesday.

Gardaí carried out searches at properties in Limerick, Cork, and Clare and found over €50,000 worth of suspected cocaine, €20,000 of suspected cannabis, and €4,650 of suspected alprazolam and controlled medications.

Four suspected firearms and ammunition were also seized as well as cash in excess of €11,310. 

A garda spokesperson said that all evidence seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further examination.

Gardaí also had to call in the army after a suspicious device was found in a field in the Limerick area. 

"A controlled explosion was carried out and on examination, this device was found to have been a viable explosive," the spokesperson added. 

Five men were arrested during the course of the operation under provisions of the Criminal Law Act, 1997. 

They were detained under under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at Garda Stations in the Limerick Region.

One man was released and charged with separate road traffic offences and is due to appear before Limerick District Court on Wednesday morning. 

Four of the men remain in custody. 

Three women were also arrested on Tuesday for offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. They appeared before the court on Tuesday morning.