Gardaí have arrested two men for questioning following the discovery of arms, ammunition and components for explosive devices during a search of two houses in Co Kerry early today.
Members of the Special Detective Unit backed up by uniformed members and officers from the Armed Support Unit from Limerick searched two properties in the Sneem area of south Kerry.
They found three firearms and a quantity of ammunition as well as electronic components for use in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the searches which were part of an intelligence led operation.
Gardaí were accompanied during searches by bomb disposal experts attached to the First Brigade based in Collins Barracks in Cork to make safe any explosive devices found during the searches.
Detectives arrested a 59-year-old man and a 31-year-old man following the discovery of the arms and ammunition and brought them to Killarney Garda Station for questioning about the finds.
Both men were arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act which allows gardaí detain suspects for up to 72 hours before they have to be charged or released.
Gardaí issued a statement regarding the arrests but did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation but it’s believed to be focussed on criminals rather than dissident republicans.
