Nine men have been arrested in Limerick city as part of a major operation targeting gangland activity in the city.

The men were arrested on this morning in a pre-planned operation involving 130 gardai.

The men – who are aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s – are being detained a a number of gardai stations in Limerick.

David Hurley of the Limerick Leader has the details.

“”Seven of the nine men arrested this morning are being questioned under gangland legislation – which was introduced last year following the murder of businessman Roy Collins” he said.

“This morning’s operation took place less than a fortnight after Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy visited Limerick and vowed to continue their fight against gangland criminality in the city”.

“Local Gardai were assisted by a number of national support units – including the Emergency Response Unit and the Organised Crime Unit – and Gardai say the operation is continuing” he added.