Gardaí say 14 people have been arrested and charged with drugs trafficking offences in Co Louth.

It is part of an ongoing investigation of organised crime in the Drogheda district.

An operation targeting drug trafficking on the streets began in mid-2019.

The force says this is a continuation of an ongoing collaboration between Garda units in the Drogheda district and Louth division with various specialised national units.

In this specific operation, local detective and crime units have been assisted by the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB).

Over 35 'purchases' were made to date of controlled substances being trafficked on the streets of Drogheda.

The drugs included heroin, cannabis and other controlled drugs of varying value.

The 14 people have been arrested and have been charged - principally the possession of controlled substances for sale or supply.

They will appear before Drogheda District Court on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said: "This is an excellent example of the significant ongoing efforts of local Garda personnel fully supported by national units in the ongoing battle against organised crime in the Drogheda and surrounding areas.

"There will be no let-up in the efforts of An Garda Síochána to reassure the people of Drogheda that those involved in this type of criminality will be targeted in every way possible and brought to justice".