Gardaí have arrested 52 people following operations in Carlow and Kilkenny.

Planned searches of 22 premises were carried out at locations in south Kilkenny and Tullow, Co Carlow as part of Operation Thor.

Quantities of controlled drugs, fireworks and offensive weapons were seized during these searches.

Eighteen of those detained are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Eleven of them have been charged in connection with investigations into burglary, theft and possession of controlled drugs.

They are due to appear before a court on later dates.

Four people were also arrested for the purpose of charge in connection with investigations, including theft.

While 30 people were arrested over the past 34 hours for court-related matters.

Speaking earlier today, Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes said: "The objective of today’s operation is to disrupt criminals living in and travelling through Kilkenny/Carlow Division and deter criminal activity and promote community engagement. This operation will also assist in the detection of criminal offences through proactive policing activities."

Over 130 gardaí were deployed, including members of national units and 50 student gardaí from the Garda College.