LIVE: Two men arrested following seizure of firearms, drugs and suspect device in Carlow

Gardai have arrested two men in their 40s in connection with ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs and criminal activity in Carlow. 

Gardaí's Drugs Unit in Carlow carried out searches at a number of properties on Thursday and Friday.

These search operations led to the seizure of a viable suspect device, four firearms, suspected cocaine with a street value €35,000 and cannabis worth €10,000. 

A firearm and ammunition was recovered by Gardaí at a residential property in Carlow Town on Thursday, October 16. 

A follow-up search was conducted by Gardaí that same day in Kernanstown where they discovered a viable improvised explosive device leading to an immediate cordon being established by Garda at the scene.  

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The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called and attended the scene removing the device so that a controlled explosion could be conducted. 

Further searches took place at two separate properties on Friday, October 17 with assistance from the Dog Unit as two 3D-printed firearms, a shotgun and ammunition were seized by Gardaí. 

Suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €35,000 and cannabis with an estimated street value of €10,000 was also recovered during that search. 

A Garda Spokesperson has said: "Two men, both aged in their 40s, were arrested and are being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a station in the Garda Eastern Region". 

They added: "All firearms seized will be subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis. All drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis".

Investigations are currently ongoing.