GARDAÍ IN Co Meath have found three firearms, a quantity of Semtex, 500 rounds of ammunition and stolen property in two separate operations in the county.
A further search is planned for this morning.
In one of the operations, three men from Co Cavan were arrested when the car in which they were travelling was stopped by gardaí just outside Kells, Co Meath. Gardaí searched the vehicle and found 2.5kg (5.5lbs) of Semtex and detonators.
Follow-up searches were carried out in Co Cavan. In one house, a handgun and 500 rounds of ammunition for a Kalashnikov were recovered.
Gardaí have sealed off a two-acre area in Co Cavan and plan to search it this morning. They believe the Kalashnikov matching the seized ammunition is likely to be concealed somewhere at the site.
The men arrested are from Co Cavan and are aged 18, 24 and 32. Two are being questioned in Navan Garda station while the third man is being held at Kells.