Seven people who were arrested last weekend in relation to the seizure of firearms in Moate have been released without charge.
Five men and two women, ranging in age from 27 to 65, were arrested in Moate on Sunday morning January 11, after gardaí seized firearms and other weapons during planned searches at a number of addresses in the area.
Those arrested were held for questioning at Athlone and Tullamore Garda Stations over the weekend under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, under which they can be held for up to 72 hours.
All seven were released without charge on Monday evening, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Garda operation came amid growing tensions between a number of feuding families in the area. Local gardaí as well as members of the Armed Support Unit were involved in the search operation.
