Twelve people have been arrested by gardai investigating organised crime in the South East.

It follows organised raids on dozens of houses and flats across several counties today.

These arrests are as a result of Operation Munster - set up to target organised criminals suspected of carrying out burglaries in the South East.

Gardai, backed up by armed members of the Regional Support unit and Customs officers raided 42 properties across counties Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford.

They seized property including jewellery and electronic equipment.

As part of the lead up to this morning’s operation a number of the gang members have had their bank accounts frozen.

In recent weeks gardai have also recovered 8 legally held shotguns that were stolen in the Clonmel area.

Of the 9 men and 3 women arrested today - two have been released without charge and two have been arrested on warrant and transferred to prison.

The remaining 8 are being questioned at various garda stations in the South East - under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.