Gardaí today raided properties and made several arrests as part of an operation targeting organised crime in the southeast.
During this morning's operation, which involved more than 60 gardaí, 10 residential locations were searched across counties Carlow and Laois.
Seven men were arrested, a gun silencer and scope were found, and a small number of cannabis plants were seized.
Two teenagers are being held at Carlow Garda station, two others in their 20s at Kilkenny Garda station, one man in his 30s at Thomastown, one in his 20s at New Ross and another in his 20s at Thurles. They are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 and can be detained for up to seven days.
Gardaí say criminal gangs are believed to be responsible for more than 70 crimes committed in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford over the past 12 months.
The crimes include aggravated burglary, armed robbery, ATM robberies, and the stealing of vehicles and plant machinery.