Gardai in Dublin say they are surprised that criminals are using assault weapons similar to those used by the Irish army.

Five firearms, including three sub-machine guns were seized, along with €5.2m worth of heroin and cocaine in the course of the investigation.

Gardai say they have disrupted a Clondalkin-Ballyfermot based gang with international connections with this operation.

Firearm and drugs seizures were made on Monday and Tuesday in Ballyfermot and Bluebell.

As part of this ongoing operation gardai seized 5.2 million euro worth of heroin and cocaine, as well as three submachine guns, two handguns and a quantity of ammunition.

Detective Inspector Colm O’Malley, who’s leading the investigation says it’s a surprising development.

“We haven’t come across weapons of that style (before). We are very surprised that they are assault weapons. As you can see the style is one that would be used by the Irish army for instance. It’s more than what we would expect to find.”

A 39 year old man appeared in court this morning charged with drugs and firearms offences – he has been remanded in custody to appear in court again next Wednesday.

Drugs with an estimated street value of almost €5 million have been seized in Dublin .