Case No. 0109Possession of explosives and firearms · Co. Louth · 18 Oct 2026

Pipe bomb and two firearms seized in Drogheda, Co Louth

On 18 October 2026, Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a search on open land at Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, as part of ongoing operations targeting organised criminal activity in the region. During the search, a viable pipe bomb, two loaded firearms (a handgun and a machine gun), and ammunition were located. The pipe bomb was made safe by a Defence Forces EOD team. No arrests have been made, and the seized items are subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis as investigations continue.

  1. Reported19 Oct
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A viable pipe bomb, two loaded firearms (a handgun and a machine gun), and ammunition were seized during a search.
Where
The search was carried out on open land at Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, Co Louth.
When
The search took place on 18 October 2026.
Investigation
  • The search was part of ongoing operations targeting organised criminal activity in the region, carried out by Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit with assistance from Drogheda, the Armed Support Unit, and local and national Dog Units.
  • The pipe bomb was made safe by a Defence Forces EOD team.
  • No arrests have been made at this time.
  • The seized items will be subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis, and investigations are ongoing.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA viable pipe bomb was located during the search. (garda.ie)
  • whatTwo loaded firearms, a handgun and a machine gun, were also located. (garda.ie)
  • whatAmmunition was also found. (garda.ie)
  • whereThe search was carried out on open land at Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, Co Louth. (garda.ie)
  • whenThe search took place on 18 October 2026. (garda.ie)
  • investigationThe search was part of ongoing operations targeting organised criminal activity in the region. (garda.ie)
  • investigationThe search was carried out by Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit. (garda.ie)
  • investigationThe pipe bomb was made safe by a Defence Forces EOD team. (garda.ie)
  • investigationThe operation was assisted by members from Drogheda, the Armed Support Unit and local and national Dog Units. (garda.ie)
  • investigationNo arrests have been made at this time. (garda.ie)
  • investigationThe seized items will be subject to further ballistic testing and forensic analysis. (garda.ie)
  • investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (garda.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Oct2026
    19/10/2026 Seizure of Pipe Bomb and 2 Firearms, Drogheda, Co Louth, 18th October 2026

    Garda press release reporting the seizure of a pipe bomb and two firearms during a search in Drogheda as part of an organised crime operation.