Three people arrested today in a major cross-Border security operation connected to organised paramilitary crime have been released without charge.
A PSNI officer at the scene of one of today's search operations, Near Crossmaglen in Co Armagh
A Garda spokesman confirmed to ireland.comthis evening that two men, aged in their early 50s and mid-60s, and one woman, aged in her early 50s, had been released without charge. A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The three were arrested earlier today and were questioned at garda stations in Drogheda, Co Louth, and Kells, Co Meath.
A Garda spokesperon said nine private and commercial premises were raided in the Hackballscross area of Co Louth and in Dundalk town during the operation, which started early this morning.
Up to 400 customs and security personnel were involved in the operation which involved searches of at least 15 premises. Some 120 gardaí, Customs officers and members of the Criminal Assets Bureau assisted by Defence Forces personnel were involved in the operation south of the border.
At one point the home of alleged one-time IRA chief of staff, Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, was searched.
Murphy, who is already under investigation by Britain's Assets Recovery Agency over house sales in Greater Manchester area, was not detained.
Approximately €200,000 in sterling and euro cash was seized during the raids as were two shotguns, 30,000 cigarettes, a large amount of documentation, computers and hard drives.
Gardaí also seized three tankers, a truck with a concealed tanker and a mechanical device believed to be used for removing dye from commercial diesel.
A simultaneous operation was conducted across the Border in south Armagh involving 50 PSNI officers and British Army personnel.
PSNI Commander for Newry and Mourne Chief Supt Bobby Hunniford said a great deal of pre-planning had gone into the operation.
He said: "Today's searches are in support of a major intelligence-led investigation into suspected money laundering and fuel laundering linked to an organised criminal enterprise. "Organised crime enterprises put profits into the hands of criminals and undermine legitimate business.
The Garda spokesperson said the raids were part of an onging investigation into organised crime in the area and no link had yet been established with paramilitary groups.
SDLP Assembly member Alex Attwood said: "Today's developments prove the worth of North-South policing and North-South assets recovery.
"The threat of organised crime recognises no borders, and efforts against any gangs or individuals involved can be maximised with co-operation and integration.
Additional reporting: PA