Three Firearms and Suspected Heroin Seized During Charleville Traffic Stop
Two men arrested and detained.
Gardaí have arrested two men after discovering three firearms, ammunition and suspected diamorphine worth €800 during a routine vehicle stop at a Charleville service station last night.
The discovery was made at approximately 11pm on Wednesday when officers from Charleville Garda Station stopped a car at a local service station. During a search of the vehicle, Gardaí uncovered three firearms along with ammunition and what is believed to be diamorphine, commonly known as heroin.
The two occupants of the vehicle, men aged in their 30s and 40s, were immediately arrested at the scene. Both men were brought to a Garda station in County Cork where they remain in custody under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.
The investigation expanded today with Gardaí executing several follow-up searches at residential properties across Cork. These searches yielded additional ammunition, adding to the evidence already collected.
All seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing and forensic analysis to determine their history and potential connection to other crimes. The suspected drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for full analysis to confirm their composition.
The arrests come as part of ongoing Garda efforts to combat the illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking in the region. The use of Section 30 detention powers indicates the serious nature of the alleged offences, as this legislation is typically invoked for cases involving unlawful possession of firearms.
Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out. Anyone with information about illegal firearms or drug activity in the area is encouraged to contact Charleville Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
The seizure represents a significant operation for local Gardaí, removing dangerous weapons and suspected controlled substances from circulation in North Cork.
