United States prosecutors are preparing to file a second indictment that may include terrorism and further arms charges against four Irish nationals suspected in an attempt to ship weapons from Florida to Ireland.
The US government has requested 30 to 60 days to file a superseding indictment against the four that may include more weapons charges, charges relating to passport violations and possible terrorism charges, according to a spokeswoman for the Miami US Attorney's office.
The suspects, Mr Conor Claxton, Ms Siobhan Browne, Mr Martin Mullan and Mr Anthony Smyth, were arrested in Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia in July after authorities unearthed what they alleged was a plot to buy and post handguns, shotguns and ammunition to Ireland.
The suspects are currently being held without bail on weapon smuggling charges.
During questioning, one of the suspects, Mr Claxton, allegedly told investigators he was working for the IRA and that the weapons were to be used for assaults on RUC officers and British soldiers. Mr Claxton's attorney has denied he made those remarks.