Gardaí seized 18 firearms and approximately 900 rounds of ammunition at a premises in Ardee this afternoon, Friday 19th July 2024, as part of an ongoing intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime.

At approximately 2:00pm, personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) supported by the Garda Emergency Response Unit carried out a search of a premises on the outskirts of Ardee.

During the course of this search, Gardaí 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 Gardaí from the Louth Divisional Crime Unit, Louth Drug Units as well as the Garda Dog Unit.

Two men in their 30s were arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 on suspicion of participation in the activities of a criminal organisation to facilitate firearms trafficking. Both men are currently detained at a Garda Station in Louth under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

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.”