Massive Garda operation concludes with more than 50 people arrested in one day

More than 50 people have been arrested in a town in Kilkenny following an extensive day of heightened Garda activity in the area yesterday.

As part of Operation Thor, Gardaí from the Kilkenny/Carlow Division carried out a day of action in the Thomastown area, County Kilkenny throughout Wednesday.

More than 140 Gardaí took part in the operation, which targeted local criminals in a bid to clamp down on crimes such as drug possession, burglary and theft.

To date, 52 people have been arrested. 18 of those were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, 11 of which have been charged in connection with investigations into Burglary, Theft and possession of controlled drugs. They are due to appear before court at later dates. Four people were arrested for the purpose of charge in connection with investigations including theft. 30 people were arrested over past 34 hours for court related matters.

Planned searches of 22 premises were carried out at locations in South Kilkenny and Tullow, County Carlow. Quantities of controlled drugs, fireworks and offensive weapons were seized during these searches.