‘Military-style’ assault rifles and drugs valued at almost 775,000 euro seized

Two assault rifles and cannabis valued at almost 775,000 euro have been seized during a garda raid in Co Dublin.

Two men have also been arrested during the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) operation which involved the search of a home in the north metropolitan region on Tuesday, a garda spokesman said.

The probe, which targeted an organised crime group, resulted in the recovery of 38.6kg of cannabis herb, valued at approximately 772,000 euro and the two assault rifles.

In addition, 135 rounds of ammunition were also recovered and seized.

A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene.

A follow-up search of a second premises in the DMR North resulted in the arrest of a second man, aged in his 30s, and the seizure of a further 5,000 euro worth of cannabis herb and a single round of ammunition.

Both men are detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

The seized drugs are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

Speaking about the operation by the DCRT, assistant commissioner for the DMR Paul Cleary said: “This operation by the Dublin Crime Response Team led to the seizure of two military-style assault rifles, ammunition, a significant quantity of drugs, and the arrests of two men for drugs and firearms offences.

“This is a major success for the DCRT and for public safety in Dublin.

“The sight of such assault rifles may cause concern but I want to reassure the public that this is not a routine occurrence and thanks to the vigilance of our gardai, these firearms were recovered from organised criminals.

“However, the presence of military-style assault rifles connected with a cannabis seizure is a reminder of the connection between the sale and supply of cannabis and potential organised crime groups.

“Let me be clear, we will maintain unrelenting pressure on the mid-level organised crime gangs who peddle drugs and violence in Dublin communities and I am committed to dismantling their networks and keeping the public safe.”