Gardaí have made 30 arrests following raids of 12 properties in Co. Carlow.

Seventy Gardaí – supported by 50 trainee Gardaí – and including a Mounted Unit, a Dog Unit and the Regional Support Unit carried out searches at 12 sites this morning.

It was carried out as part of Operation Thor which is designed to disrupt criminal activity and arrest criminals wanted on warrant.

The locations were identified following their investigations into recent burglaries and robberies which had taken place in the county.

Of the 30 arrested, six people have been charged with criminal offences and will be appearing before the courts, 11 are being held for various criminal offences and three have been detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Two cars have also been seized.

The searches and arrests are continuing throughout the day and Gardaí expect to have carried out a total of 50 checkpoints by the end of the operation.