Nine people have been arrested by gardaí in the Midlands as part of an operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs.
The 6 men and 3 women, ranging in age from 25 to 36, were arrested yesterday and today.
Eight people have been charged with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act for the sale and supply of illegal drugs, particularly heroin..
All nine have been remanded on bail to appear before Athlone District Court on October 1.
Gardaí in Athlone anticipate further arrests as part of this operation which has been underway since January.