Gardaí have recovered a firearm and ammunition in Mulhuddart in Dublin.
The discovery was made at 1am as part of an ongoing operation, combating the illegal sale and supply of controlled drugs in the West Dublin area.
Gardaí from Blanchardstown were alerted by the suspicious activity of a number of men near Ladyswell on Church Road and a search of the area was carried out and a handgun and ammunition was discovered.
On observing the Gardaí the men fled the scene.
The items recovered have been sent for forensic examination.
