Two Arrested in Cork After Guns and Drugs Found in Car

Two men were arrested in Cork on March 15, 2024, after Gardaí discovered firearms and drugs during a traffic stop. The incident occurred around 23:00 at a filling station in Charleville, where officers conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to significant findings.

The suspects, brothers aged 40 and 32 from the Ballincollig area, were taken into custody after the police found a loaded 3D printed handgun and an AK-47 rifle in their car. Both weapons have been sent to Dublin for examination by ballistics experts to determine their viability as firearms.

In addition to the firearms, approximately €800 worth of heroin was recovered during the search. This substance has also been forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Gardaí believe the men were en route from Limerick to Cork at the time of their arrest.

Following the initial seizure, Gardaí conducted follow-up searches in Cork city and Limerick County. These operations yielded a further quantity of ammunition, which is currently undergoing ballistics examination.

The brothers were brought to Mallow Garda station for questioning regarding both the firearms and the drugs. They were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, which permits authorities to hold suspects for up to 72 hours before they must be formally charged or released.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the availability of illegal firearms and drugs in the region, prompting increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies. The investigation is ongoing as Gardaí work to ascertain the full extent of the situation.