Seven people have been arrested as part of a joint operation to combat the distribution of drugs in the south-east.

Gardai based in Wexford and assisted by the Regional Support Unit - as well as gardai from Carlow/Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary - carried out a number of searches in Wexford this morning. They were also assisted by Customs and Excise officials from Waterford.

A number of houses were searched where various drugs, and a number of items relating to drug cultivation, were seized.

A man and woman were arrested at a house in Dunmaine, Co. Wexford where 1oz of cocaine was found. Another man was detained at house at Ballywilliam in New Ross where a number of items relating to drug cultivation were seized.

Two more men were arrested at a premises at Longraigue in Foulksmills where 1oz of cannabis resin and a number of items relating to drug cultivation were found.

A grow house was discovered at a premises at Killesk, Campile with €18,000 of harvested cannabis herb; while another grow house was uncovered at a house at Ramsgrange where €40,000 of harvested cannabis herb was found.

At a house at Grange Road in New Ross a man was arrested, where 1kg of cannabis herb and 3.5 kilos of speed were also seized.

The six men and one woman arrested range in ages from their mid-20s to early 60s. They are being detained under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act at various garda stations in the south-east.

Gardai say the operation is part of Operation Nitrogen, established to combat the cultivation, supply, sale and distribution of controlled substances.