TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested and several items were seized by gardaí as part of ongoing investigations on the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Co Carlow.

An explosive device, four firearms, ammunition and drugs were found following searches at several properties during the week.

Two men, both aged in their 40s, were arrested and are being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a station in the Garda Eastern Region.

The drugs included suspected cocaine with a street value of €35,000 and cannabis worth €10,000.

Gardaí from the Carlow Drugs Unit recovered a firearm and ammunition at a residential property in Carlow Town on 16 October.

In a follow-up search at a residence in Kernanstown on 16 October, Gardaí discovered a viable improvised explosive device.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene and removed the device for a controlled explosion to be conducted.

Searches at the two properties continued on 17 October with the assistance of the Dog Unit, and Gardaí seized two 3D-printed firearms, a shotgun and ammunition.

Investigations are ongoing.