Loaded gun seized and 2 men arrested in Garda operation near Naas Road

Two members of the Kinahan crime gang were on their way to carry out a shooting in Dublin last night when they were arrested, Gardai believe.

The men were detained by armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit (pictured) after their van was stopped on the Kylemore Road in Ballyfermot - off the Naas Road - at around 8pm.

A loaded handgun and a can of petrol were recovered in the intelligence-led operation, which was co-ordinated by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

Petrol is commonly used to burn out getaway vehicles to destroy forensic evidence.

Two members of the Kinahan crime gang from Ballyfermot had been under surveillance by gardaí.

The men, aged 34 and 38 , and who were wearing gloves and camouflage clothing, have been detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, RTE reported.

The suspects are being held at Crumlin Garda Station and can be questioned for up to a week.

Gardai said: "As a result of an intelligence led operation conducted by Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, a van was intercepted by the Emergency Response Unit on the Kylemore Road at approximately 8 pm, Monday 7th August."

"Two men (34 and 38 years) were arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a loaded firearm was also recovered.

"Both men were removed to Crumlin Garda Station and are currently detained under Section 50, Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

"Investigations on going."