Four Co Armagh men appeared in court tonight charged with the possession of a sniper's rifle with intent to kill.
The gang was arrested during a major security operation against dissident republican terrorists near Newry, south Armagh on Wednesday night.
The weapon was seized from one of two vehicles stopped on the Camlough Road. Patrick Tierney (19) from Drumarg Park, Gavin McArdle (17) from Mullacreevey Park, Stephen Quigley (26) from Aghanore Walk, all in Armagh, and Shane Hughes, 30, from St Matthews estate, Keady appeared at a special sitting of Banbridge Magistrates Court.
All four denied being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
They also denied having articles of use in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. The men were remanded in custody until May 19th.
PA