Three men arrested as part of a major investigation into organised crime in Limerick have been freed without charge.
Up to 150 houses and premises in Limerick and several surrounding counties were searched by gardaí yesterday as part of 'Operation Platinum'.
The raids, which began at 6am, involved more than 250 uniformed officers and detectives from divisions in Limerick, Cork and Kerry as well as personnel from the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Garda National Drugs Units.
Three men, aged in their late 20s, were arrested during the operation and a substantial quantity of documentation and computer equipment was seized.
In addition, several drug seizures - mostly cocaine and ecstasy with a total potential street value of over €200,000 - were made.
Gardaí said two firearms, a quantity of ammunition, more than €100,000 in cash and two vehicles were also seized during the searches.
Operation Platinum is targeting every gang in Limerick city involved in organised crime.
The search of around 120 homes, 15 professional offices, seven business premises and a number of other properties also included several addresses in Dublin.
The three men were released overnight. Files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.