GARDAÍ HAVE RELEASED images of guns, ammunition, suspected shotgun cartridges and pipe bomb components seized during a search of a property in Cork. 

It comes after a man in his 40s was arrested in Mallow when gardaí stopped and searched a vehicle acting suspiciously, leading to the discovery of three suspected guns, ammunition and cocaine.

The man is known by gardaí as a gun enthusiast who has been previously investigated for importing firearms and parts into Ireland.

It is understood that he had shifted focus now to allegedly building his own guns at home near Douglas in Cork.

Ammunition seized during the searches. An Garda Síochána An Garda Síochána

Following the man’s arrest, follow-up searches were carried out at a property in Cork city on Wednesday and Thursday. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit also attended the scene.

A number of suspected shotgun cartridges, ammunition, pipe bomb components, gun components, guns and various other items were seized during the searches.

The guns and components are now subject to forensic and ballistic examination.

The arrested man remains detained at a Garda station in Cork under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.

A garda spokesperson said investigations into the matter are ongoing.