11 firearms with ammunition and over €700,000 worth of controlled drugs was seized over the weekend in Laois and Kildare.
A number of individuals and six locations in both counties were targeted as part of ongoing investigations into organised crime by Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau supported by personnel from the Garda Eastern Region, the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Emergency Response Unit.
Two men aged in their forties were arrested and detained at stations in the Midlands under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.
Examinations will be carried out on the guns as well as the drugs which are understood to include heroin, cocaine and cannabis.
Investigations continue with Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis saying; “This seizure represents a significant disruption of organised criminal activity and demonstrates An Garda Síochána’s commitment to protecting communities from those involved in serious and organised crime.”
She adds; “The recovery of military-grade firearms, handguns and substantial quantities of illicit drugs has removed highly dangerous weapons and harmful substances from circulation, reducing the threat posed to the public and preventing significant criminal profits from being generated.
Assistant Commissioner Willis also notes; “This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the strong collaboration between An Garda Síochána and our national and international law enforcement partners. Organised crime groups operate across borders and exploit international supply chains, making cooperation and information sharing essential to our response.
Added to that the AC says “The targeting of firearms trafficking and drug trafficking remains a key priority under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), and aligns closely with priorities being advanced during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Today’s results demonstrate the tangible impact that coordinated European and international action can have in disrupting the business models of organised crime groups.
She’s commented; “This seizure is the culmination of significant activity conducted under Operation Tara in the week commencing Monday 6th July 2026 involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Customs Revenue Service, the Dublin Crime Response Team, Divisional Drug Units from Cork, Mayo, Longford, Roscommon and Kildare and supported by Emergency Response Unit, Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit, the Ballistics Section and Forensic Science Ireland.
In conclusion she notes; “In summary, in the past week 11 persons have been arrested for various offences under organised crime, firearms and drug trafficking legislation in operations carried out by An Garda Síochána. Over €9 million worth of controlled drugs including, heroin, cocaine and cannabis has been seized along with cannabis oil infused vapes and jellies aimed at our young people.”
Some of the latter was found in Carlow – details on that here.
