Two arrested following search of premises on outskirts of Dundalk

Two people were arrested in Dundalk yesterday following a Garda operation targeting criminal activity in the area.

The pair were detained following the search of a premises on the southern outskirts of the town.

According to LMFM, stolen property including power tools and garden equipment were recovered along with a sawn-off shotgun, cartridges and a quantity of drugs.

Specialised Garda units and search teams were involved in the operation along wth the canine division and investigations are said to be ongoing.

Organised prostitution targeted in Garda raid in Dundalk

Gardaí searched a premises in Dundalk last week as part of a two-day nationwide operation targeting organised prostitution.

The search follows a six month long investigation by the Organised Crime Unit into the activities of a criminal group involved in organised prostitution, brothel keeping and other associated criminal activity.

The operation was conducted in close co-operation with Europol as part of an initiative targeting mobile organised crime groups active throughout Europe.

Since Thursday morning, Gardaí searched a total of 22 premises, which include apartments, flats and houses at locations in Dundalk as well as Letterkenny, Ennis, Clonmel, Waterford, Cavan, Mullingar, Limerick, Ballina, Newbridge and Cork along with 11 locations in the Dublin area.

More than 60 Gardaí were involved including members of Organised Crime Unit, local detective units and uniformed Gardaí. The purpose of this search operation was to gather evidence in order to advance the investigation. Evidence of suspected prostitution activity was detected at a number the locations although it is not yet known if any such activity was identified in Dundalk.

During the searches Gardaí seized documentation, mobile phones, computers and money. A number of women present at various locations were interviewed by Gardaí and have been offered support and advice.

One man was arrested in Swords.