Gardaí have arrested 11 people in Co Carlow as part of a major operation against heroin dealers in the south east.
The eight men and three women, ranging in ages from mid-20s to mid-60s, were arrested following raids on up to 20 houses and premises in the town and surrounding area.
All 11 are being held under section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act at Carlow, Kilkenny, Thomastown and Athy Garda stations.
Officers from the South Eastern Regional Drugs Unit supported by the Garda National Drugs Unit carried out the "search and arrest sweep" this morning following a surveillance operation over the past number of months in the region, a Garda spokesman said.
