Uniformed and armed units of the Gardaí today arrested two men in Co Westmeath as part of operations against armed criminal activity in the midlands.
The two men were arrested at around noon at Baylough, Athlone. A sawn-off shotgun was recovered. The arrests were part of "Operation Anvil".
The men are being held under Section 30, Offences Against the State Act, at Athlone Garda Station. One is in his 20s, and the other is in his 30s.
They can be held for up to 72 hours before they have to be charged or released.