Seven arrests during major operation involving more than 80 gardai

SEVEN men have been arrested by gardai investigating the activities of a criminal gang operating in the west of Ireland.

The arrests were made this Wednesday morning during a garda operation involving gardaí from the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford division and Galway division.

"The operation involved 85 gardaí with assistance provided by a number of national units including the Armed Support Unit, the Air Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit," said a garda spokesperson.

According to the Garda Press Office, the operation was carried out with the purpose of targeting the activities of criminal gangs operating in both Mayo and Galway.

A number of properties were searched in Ballinrobe, County Mayo while further properties were searched in the Ballybane and the Bohermore areas of Galway City.

A total of seven men were arrested. Two are aged in their mid-40s, four in their 20s and an adult in his teens.

All seven are detained at garda stations in Mayo for offences which include serious assault, violent disorder, possession of weapons and drugs offences.

Investigations are onoing