Gardai have charged a woman with two counts of human trafficking as part of a Europol investigation which has taken place in 14 different countries.
Seven potential victims of trafficking were also identified as part of the Irish leg of the investigation. A further 31 people are being checked as a response to requests from member states across Europe.
Gardai were participating in the Europol day of action coordinated across 14 countries targeting human trafficking from West Africa.
A second woman (37) has been released without charge.
Superintendent John O'Driscoll said "According to provisional figures, seven potential victims of human trafficking from West African countries, mainly women, exploited by the 2 Organised Crime Group’s targeted, have been identified in Ireland".
"A further 31 persons have been checked in Ireland as a response to requests from fellow member states across Europe. As a result of the day of action, new investigations have been launched in several participating countries which are supported by Europol" he added.
The operation has led to the identification of 111 potential victims, according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland.
The Council has welcomed the participation of the gardaí and subsequent arrests.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said "Human trafficking is a reality with criminal networks stretching right across Europe and further afield. It requires a robust policing and policy response".
"We welcome the participation of the Gardaí in the Europol operation in recent days including the arrests, the identification of 7 possible victims and the checking of dozens of more people" she added.
Earlier this month, the International Labour Organisation confirmed that two-thirds of profits from human trafficking are linked to the sex trade. We must ensure that Gardaí are equipped with robust powers to respond to this challenge.
Ireland has previously been criticised internationally for failing to identify, protect and support victims of trafficking, which the Immigrant Council says must be addressed.
