As part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity and drug trafficking in the South East of the country.
Gardaí from Carlow, assisted by Regional and National Units and officers from Revenue Customs Service, this morning carried out searches at twenty-seven (27) locations in the South East of the country. The areas searched included homes and businesses in Counties Carlow, Meath, Offaly, Laois, Tipperary and Waterford.
During this mornings operation fourteen (14) separate arrests were made, twelve (12) in Co. Carlow, one (1) in Co. Meath and one (1) in Co. Wexford. Those arrested are being detained at a number of Garda Stations in the south east. They range in age from 18 to 54 years (12 males and 2 females) and are being detained under Section 50, Criminal Justice Act, 2007.
During one of these searches a large consignment of contraband cigarettes was discovered.
