Four people have been arrested as part of a gardai investigation into dissident republican activities in the Louth/Meath area.

As part of an on-going operation the four were detained in Drogheda, Castlebellingham and Navan on Monday. The operation involved officers from the Louth Division, Northern Regional Support Unit, Crime and Security Branch and the Special Detective Unit.

A 49-year-old man and 43-year-old woman were arrested at Castlebellingham and held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

Separately a man aged 30 was arrested in Navan, while yesterday morning a fourth arrest was made. A man aged 38 is being detained under Section 30 at Navan Garda Station.

A commercial premises in the town was also searched along with 3 residences in Drogheda, Navan and Castlebellingham.

A number of vehicles were also seized for a technical examination and a 9 millimetre hand gun has also been recovered.

Gardaí say the 43-year-old woman has since been released without charge and that the operation and investigation is on-going.