Limerick gardaí found weapons and drugs on waste ground on the south side of the city yesterday, writes Kathryn Hayes.
Two loaded semi-automatic handguns were among the items discovered in the Ballinacurra Weston area during an early morning search.
Senior gardaí described the discovery of the 9 mm loaded handguns as a "sinister development" among the city's criminal fraternity.
Drugs and 50 rounds of ammunition were also found during the four-hour search of waste ground in the heavily populated suburb.
The cocaine and cannabis had an estimated street value of around €3,000, according to gardaí.
"All of the items discovered were concealed and in perfect condition," said a Garda spokesman.
It is understood that the weapons were the property of one of the criminal gangs involved in a feud on the city's south side.
"The handguns which were found were ready for use and the discovery of these weapons is a sinister development among the criminal fraternity," said a Garda source.
There were no arrests in connection with the raid which was carried out between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
All items recovered have been sent to Dublin for technical examination.