GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED eight individuals during searches in connection with an investigation into organised crime in Limerick.

Gardaí conducted several searches yesterday in Limerick, Cork and Clare.

During a search of a field in the Limerick area, the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit was called in to respond to a suspicious device.

The unit carried out a controlled explosion of the device and found it was a viable explosive.

The searches also uncovered four suspected firearms and ammunition and €11,310 in cash. Around €53,100 suspected cocaine, €20,000 suspected cannabis and €4,650 suspected alprazolam and controlled medication tablets were found and seized.

The items are being sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further examination.

Gardaí arrested five men for offences under the Criminal Law Act 1997 and three women for offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

One man has been released from detention and charged with separate road traffic offences, and is due to appear before Limerick District Court this morning.

The three women appeared before Limerick District Court yesterday and four of the men remain in custody.