Two men have been arrested in Westmeath after a fully loaded semi-automatic handgun was found.

Gardaí in Blanchardstown are investigating organised crime activity in that area.

They conducted an operation on Tuesday, which led to the arrest of two men from the Dublin area.

They were arrested with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit in Rathowen, Co Westmeath.

A fully loaded semi-automatic Makorav handgun was recovered in the vehicle.

The two men are detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Blanchardstown and Finglas Garda stations.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.