Two arrested following discovery of 'viable' explosive device in south east

As part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity, Gardaí in the south east carried out a number of searches on properties on October 16 and 17.

The searches resulted in the seizure of a viable suspect device, four firearms, suspected cocaine with a street value of €35,000 and cannabis worth €10,000.

The searches took place in County Carlow and a spokesperson said Gardaí from the Carlow Drugs Unit recovered a firearm and ammunition at a residential property in Carlow town on October 16.

In a follow-up search that same day, at a residence in Kernanstown,  Gardaí discovered a viable improvised explosive device.

"A cordon was immediately established by Gardaí," said the spokesperson.

"The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene and removed the device for a controlled explosion to be conducted," added the Garda spokesperson.

Searches at the two properties continued on October 17, 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 were also recovered," said the Garda spokesperson.

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

Investigations are ongoing.