Two Men Charged Following Charleville Firearms and Drugs Seizure

Two men arrested after Gardaí discovered three firearms, ammunition and suspected diamorphine during a routine vehicle stop in Charleville will appear before Mallow District Court this afternoon.

The men, aged in their 30s and 40s, are due before a special sitting of the court at 3pm today following their arrest on Wednesday night at a service station in the North Cork town. The routine patrol stop at approximately 11pm led to one of the more significant weapons seizures in the region this year.

During the search of the vehicle, Gardaí from Charleville Garda Station uncovered three firearms along with ammunition. Officers also seized approximately €800 worth of suspected diamorphine from the occupants. Both men were arrested at the scene and taken to a Garda station in Cork where they were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.

The investigation expanded on Thursday with Gardaí executing a number of follow-up searches at domestic residences across Cork. These searches resulted in the seizure of additional ammunition, though the exact quantity has not been disclosed by investigators.

Garda sources stated:

"All firearms seized will be subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis. The suspected drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis."

The use of Section 30 detention powers, typically reserved for serious offences against the state, underscores the gravity with which Gardaí are treating this investigation. The legislation allows for suspects to be held for up to 72 hours without charge while investigations continue.

Charleville, located on the Cork-Limerick border, has seen increased Garda activity in recent months as part of ongoing operations targeting organised crime in the region. The seizure represents a significant disruption to potential criminal activity in North Cork.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Gardaí likely to pursue further lines of enquiry following today's court appearance. The special sitting of Mallow District Court this afternoon will determine whether the men are granted bail or remanded in custody pending further proceedings.