Seven arrested following pipe bomb seizure in Limerick

SEVEN people have been arrested in Limerick following a search operation, during which Gardai seized a pipe bomb from a residential property.

Conducted earlier today, the operation aimed at targeting the sale and supply of illegal drugs and related criminal activity in Limerick City and was coordinated by 80 local members of An Garda Síochána with assistance from the Garda Armed Support Unit (ASU) and the Garda Dog Unit.

Seven search warrants were executed in the St Mary’s Park and King's Island areas of Limerick city.

During the course of the searches, a suspected pipe bomb was seized at a residential property.

Drugs, cash and watches were also seized.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was requested to attend, and the scene has since been declared safe.

A man was arrested in connection with the seizure and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939, at a Garda station in the Limerick area.

Quantities of suspected illegal drugs, cash and watches were also seized. All drugs seized are now subject to examination by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

Five men and 1 woman were also arrested under suspicion of alleged incidents of theft, robbery and drug driving.

One of these men has since appeared before the Courts, 1 man remains in Garda custody. The woman and three other men have since been released from custody.

Investigations are ongoing.