Armed Gardaí are backing up raids by the Criminal Assets Bureau in Dublin.

It is believed the operation started in the early hours of this morning and is still live.

In a statement, Gardaí said: "Members of the bureau assisted by the Emergency Response Unit, Armed Support Unit, Special Crime Task Force and local Gadra Units are carrying out searches at a number of premises and locations in south and west Dublin.

"The premises being targeted include motor dealerships and private homes."

The operation is part of an investigation targeting organised crime.