Two men arrested after 22 fake firearms and cannabis seized

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

A total of 22 imitation firearms and cannabis worth millions have been seized in a joint operation involving An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Two men have been arrested as part of what gardaí described as a “cross-border intelligence-led” operation involving its National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Organised Crime Unit, as well as the Irish Revenue Customs Service.

An Garda Síochána said Wednesday’s operation led to the seizure of 119 kilogrammes of cannabis with an estimated value of €1,666,000 in Co Louth.

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking in the Dundalk area following the interception of a vehicle.

22 imitation firearms and a further 45 kilogrammes of cannabis as well as half a kilogramme of cocaine were found during follow-up searches in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.

The PSNI’s organised crime unit also seized approximately £25,000 (€29,000) in cash and arrested a man in his 30s.