Gardaí believe they foiled a gangland hit in a major operation in West Dublin earlier this week.

Just after 8pm on Tuesday, a tactical team from the Emergency Response Unit intercepted a car on Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic Glock pistol along with a number of rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Two males, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested at the scene and are currently being held at a Dublin Garda station.

Follow-up searches were conducted at 18 locations in the Dublin area and two cells at Portlaoise Prison.

In excess of 300 members of An Garda Síochána were deployed in the course of the operation.

"Commission of murder"

Following the operation Assistant Commissioner and head of Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis said they believe the firearm recovered was “intended for use in the commission of murder”.

"The intervention by members of An Garda Síochána in West Dublin on the evening of 17th December 2024 has again resulted in the removal of a lethal firearm and ammunition from circulation,” she said.

“An Garda Síochána believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder(s).

“I wish to acknowledge the members of An Garda Síochána involved in the operation for their professionalism in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to prioritise targeting those that are the most violent and cause the most harm in communities.”

The firearm and ammunition seized will undergo analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.

Split image of gun and ammo seized by Gardaí (R) and armed Garda (L)