Gardaí have recoved a number of firearms in follow-up searches following the arrest yesterday of five men suspected of being involved in dissident republican activities.
The searches, which took place at a number of premises in Co Louth and Co Monaghan today, led to the seizure of six vehicles, a shotgun, a handgun, the components of an explosive device and ammunition.
The five men arrested yesterday remain in custody today.
Two men were arrested and a firearm and balaclava recovered after members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) stopped and searched a car in Dundalk.
The two were taken for questioning to Dundalk Garda station.
Three other men were arrested following another search on a car in Ardee. Ammunition and a balaclava were recovered in the search.
The arrested men, ranging in age from early 30s to mid 50s, are being detained in Drogheda and Balbriggan Garda stations.
All five are being held under the provisions of section 30 Offences against the State Act.