Thirty-five people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in connection with three Garda operations targeting heroin-dealing drug gangs in Cavan, Portlaoise and Blanchardstown.

A total of 54 people will appear in court charged with more than 240 offences. They range in age from 15 to 49 years.

Nineteen people were arrested in Cavan; 16 in Portlaoise and 19 in Blanchardstown.

Operations Sarto in Cavan, Nero in Portlaoise and Rhea in Blanchardstown began six months ago and focused on drug trafficking, with a specific focus on heroin.

Gardaí say the operations were coordinated and supported by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in response to concerns in local communities.

Forty-seven men and seven women will appear before various courts this morning.