THREE PEOPLE HAVE been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking in Ireland.

Gardaí arrested two males and a female as part of Operation Quest, following a series of planned searches in the Dublin, Dundalk and Athlone areas on 24 January.

A male in his late 20s and female in her early 30s are currently detained at Clondalkin Garda Station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 as amended. A number of items of evidence have been seized, including mobile phones, electronic devices and documentation.

A third male, who had been detained at Athlone Garda station, was released without charge.

Operation Quest was launched with the aim of identifying potential victims of human trafficking. The investigation team are liaising with Europol, Interpol, the PSNI, the Human Trafficking Centre Central Investigations Bureau, Warsaw, Poland and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, United Kingdom with a view to identifying further potential victims.

Gardaí would appeal for anyone who may have information to contact them in Store St, Dublin 1 on 01 6668074/6668000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.