PHOTOS: Inside drugs factory in home in respectable Kildare estate

Gardaí have released photographs from inside a "pill-making factory" in a three-bedroom home in north Co Kildare.

The investigation was led by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau which is investigating the activities of the Kinahan crime gang.

The Kinahan gang is involved in an ongoing feud with the Hutch gang that has so far cost 18 lives.

The estate, which has around 165 homes, was built about 2001.

Gardai discovered what they described as a "pill-making factory" with chemicals, a tablet pressing machine, blenders, packaging equipment and other paraphernalia.

As the photos show, some equipment and drugs was found on the draining board and window sill of the kitchen sink as well as on the floor of the dining room.

Gardai said three men Polish nationals were arrested in connection with the discovery.

According to sources, one man was wearing a forensic suit, gloves and goggles - similar to characters in the Breaking Bad US series.

Sources said the man was like something out of Breaking Bad, the hit US series, but added that the facilities were not that sophisticated.

Suspected controlled drugs in powder and pill form with a provisional estimated street value of €500,000 was seized.

Gardaí state that the process of making tablets had commenced when they forced entry into the premises.

The arrested men (mid 30s & early 40s) are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at Leixlip and Lucan Garda Stations.

Assistant Commissioner John O’ Driscoll who has charge of Special Crime Operations stated that "This operation provides further evidence of the extent of links between Irish based organised crime groups and the international drug trade.

"The Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has today dealt another blow to those involved in organised crime.

"Our effort in tackling organised crime is unrelenting and will continue as long as is necessary”