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A substantial quantity of suspected weapons and ammunition have been recovered by the PSNI during a search operation on the outskirts of Crossmaglen.
Police in Newry, Mourne & Down along with colleagues in Serious Crime Branch recovered the items on 30 and 31 October.
Speaking on the incident Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “A proactive search operation took place in the Monog Road area on Monday and Tuesday. A significant weapons hide was discovered buried in a hedgerow on agricultural land.
“A number of suspected firearms, including an assault rifle, two shotguns, three revolvers and seven handguns as well as a significant amount of ammunition were found within the hide.
“Serious Crime Branch are conducting further enquiries and all items will now be the subject of forensic testing. We are keeping an open mind as to ownership of these firearms however these searches send a clear message to those involved in organised criminal activity that we will continue to disrupt their activities so that our communities can live in peace and without fear."
Superintendent Haslett added “I would appeal for anyone with information about any suspicious activity or about any of the items we have found over the last few weeks to get in contact with police on 101. Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy spoke of his concern at the find “While it’s welcome that these weapons have now been taken out of circulation, the quantity of both weapons and ammunition that was seized is extremely concerning.
“There is no place for guns on our streets and those involved need to get off the back of our local communities.”
Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor added “I want to offer my thanks to local police officers and their colleagues in the serious crime branch for their work in discovering a significant number of weapons and ammunition in Crossmaglen.
“The weapons recovered no doubt posed a considerable risk to life, and thankfully, a blow has been served to those involved in criminal activity in the area.
“It is certainly a welcome development that such a lethal arsenal has been neutralised as a result of the operation undertaken by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
