Two men (40s) arrested after suspect device, firearms, and drugs seized in Carlow

Eva Osborne

Two men in their 40s have been arrested after gardaí seized a viable suspect device, four firearms, and drugs worth an estimated €45,000 in Co Carlow.

As part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow, gardaí searched a number of properties on Thursday and Friday.

A viable suspect device, four firearms, suspected cocaine with a street value of €35,000, and cannabis worth €10,000 were seized.

Gardaí from the Carlow Drugs Unit recovered a firearm and ammunition at a residential property in Carlow Town on Thursday.

In a follow-up search at a residence in Kernanstown, gardaí discovered a viable improvised explosive device.

A cordon was immediately established by gardaí. The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene and removed the device for a controlled explosion to be conducted.

Searches at the two properties continued on Friday with the assistance of the Dog Unit, and gardaí seized two 3D-printed firearms, a shotgun, and ammunition.

Suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €35,000 and cannabis with an estimated street value of €10,000 was also recovered.

Two men, both aged in their 40s, were arrested and are being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a station in the Garda Eastern Region.

All firearms seized will be subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis.

All drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.