Three Arrested In Connection With South Armagh Firearms Find

Police have arrested three men in connection with the discovery of firearms in Crossmaglen last year.

Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch, local District Police, and the Tactical Support Group carried out searches in South Armagh and Grantham, Lincolnshire on Thursday 12 December.

Two men, aged 32 and 59, were arrested in South Armagh, while a 69-year-old man was arrested in Grantham. All three remain in custody.

Speaking following the arrests, District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett, said: "The arrests follow from a proactive search operation in the Monog Road area of Crossmaglen in October 2023. Here, weapons and ammunition were discovered in a constructed hide, which was buried in a hedgerow on agricultural land. "This in itself was a significant seizure, and today's arrests are further assurance of our ongoing commitment to keep communities safe. We continue to work tirelessly with our partners and, in this case, I'm keen to acknowledge support from HMRC and Lincolnshire Police, as well as the collective efforts of our policing teams including Organised Crime Branch, TSG and our own local district team.

"I'm confident that this policing operation has disrupted the activities of criminals within the south Armagh area, and the public should be reassured that we will continue in our efforts to dismantle criminality."

Superintendent Haslett continued: "We also, however, rely upon the support of the public, and I'm keen to take the opportunity to appeal to anyone with information on suspected illegal activity, or concerns, to contact us on 101."

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org