Man arrested in mullingar under offences against the state act

A 48 year old male has been arrested in Mullingar, under the Offences Against the State Act, gardaí have revealed.

The man was arrested during a follow up search after arrests were made in county Meath.

Two cars were stopped on the N52 in Meath yesterday, Tuesday, as part of an ongoing investigation by members of An Garda Síochána from the Special Detective Unit, Harcourt Street, and the Crime and Security Branch, Garda Headquarters.

The investigation is into the activities of dissident republicans in the border and midlands regions.

During a search of the two cars, a number of suspect items were recovered, according to the garda press office.

The Army EOD team was immediately contacted, and a cordon put in place.

Two males, aged 42 and 49, were arrested under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended, for membership of an Unlawful Organisation and possession of explosive substances.  They were brought to Drogheda Garda Station.

Gardaí followed up with the search of a dwelling in Mullingar, and there, the 48 year old male was arrested, also under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended, for membership of an Unlawful Organisation and possession of explosive substances.

He was brought to Tullamore Garda Station.

The items seized are currently subject of a technical examination at the Garda Technical Bureau, Garda HQ, and the investigation is ongoing.