As part of an ongoing investigation targeting organised criminal activity Gardai from the South Eastern Region assisted by members of the Regional Support Unit, detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal investigation and Officers from Revenue Customs Service carried out a search and arrest operation across counties Carlow and Laois.
The operation is part of an intelligence led investigation into the activities of organised criminal groups which are believed to be responsible for over seventy crimes committed in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford over the past twelve months. The crimes include Aggravated Burglary, Armed Robbery, ATM Robberies, Attempted ATM theft, Unauthorised Taking of vehicles, Theft of Plant machinery and Criminal Damage.
During this morning’s operation, which involved over 60 Gardai, searches were carried out at 10 residential locations resulting in the arrest of seven males along with the seizure of a firearm ( silencer and scope) and drugs ( small number of cannabis plants).
They are detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, and can be held for up to seven days.
Two males aged in their teens, Carlow Garda Garda Station and two aged in their 20s at Kilkenny Garda Station. One male aged in his 30s at Thomastown, one in his 20s at New Ross, and one in his 20s at Thurles Garda Stations.
Further updates will follow.
Note:
The arrests were made under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 (Participation in Organised Crime).
