THREE members of An Garda Síochána including two senior officers have been arrested on suspicion of corruption in public office.
The arrests were made this morning as part of an investigation led by Assistant Commissioner John Twomey and the Special Crimes Operations (SCO), involving personnel attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB).
A Superintendent was arrested under Section 62 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which relates to the disclosure of confidential information obtained in the course of his or her duties.
A Inspector was arrested for a suspected breach of provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The third officer – described as a member of Garda rank – was arrested for suspected conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
A number of premises were searched as part of the operation this morning, according to RTÉ News.
However, it is not yet known where the Gardaí were arrested or to what region or station they are attached to.
Deputy Commissioner Twomey confirmed that three members of the force were in custody and were being held for questioning.
"An Garda Síochána is fully committed to investigating any alleged wrong-doing or corruption involving garda personnel, and will work with other relevant agencies in doing so," he said.
"As this is a live and ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate to make any further comment at this time."
