Gardai seek to allay public safety concerns amid seizure of military-style assault rifles

Gardai say there is no reason for members of the public to fear for their safety following the seizure of two assault rifles and a large quantity of ammunition at a private home in North County Dublin.

As part of an operation targeting an organised crime group involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs, two men were arrested this Wednesday morning. 135 rounds of ammunition were also recovered and seized.

The operation was carried out by members of the Dublin Crime Response Team and gardai say a man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene.

He is currently detained at a garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

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Gardai have confirmed a second arrested was made during a follow-up search at another premises. Cannabis herb, worth €5,000 and a single round of ammunition were seized at that location.

"The male, aged in his 30s, is also currently detained at a Garda station in the DMR under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996," said a garda spokesperson who added that the drugs seized at both locations are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

Commenting about the operation, Assistant Commissioner for the DMR, Paul Cleary described it as a major success and a boost for public safety in the capital.

"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 gardaí, 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."

Assistant Commissioner Clearly added: "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."