Gardai seized three loaded pistols from a vehicle in Co Roscommon during a traffic stop this evening.
Officers from the Roscommon/Longford Garda Division made the bust as part of an intelligence-led operation into illegal gang activities.
They stopped the vehicle on Main Street in Castlerea at around 8.30pm on Wednesday evening.
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: "During the course of the search of the vehicle, Gardaí recovered three fully loaded firearms which were 9mm pistols complete with loaded magazines.
"These firearms were seized and will be forwarded to the forensic laboratory for analysis.
"One man (early 30s) was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at Castlerea Garda Station under the provisions of Section 30 Offences Against the State Act, 1939 for unlawful possession of firearms.
"Gardaí conducted follow up searches at a location in Castlerea town, during which a small quantity of heroin was located and seized.
"Investigations ongoing."
