Guns and ammunition seized during garda operation targeting firearms trafficking

Three men have been arrested by gardai following the seizure of a number of high-powered firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

Details of the intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the seizure and arrests, have been revealed this Saturday evening.

"As a result of intelligence-led investigations targeting firearm trafficking, officers attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau supported by the Emergency Response Unit intercepted a vehicle shortly after 10am this morning (Saturday), in the Kildare area," said a spokesperson.

Gardai say a M1911 Handgun and a G3 Rifle were found during a search of the vehicle after it was stopped. 40 rounds of ammunition were also discovered and seized.

Three men,  aged 19, 20 and 21, were arrested on Saturday morning and they are currently detained, under the provisions of section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, at  garda stations in Co. Kildare.

No further details of the operation have been publicly disclosed.

Investigations are ongoing and, subject to a court order, the men can be held without charge for a maximum of 72 hours.