Gardai investigating the suspected contamination of horse meat are currently searching 7 sites across Leinster and Connacht.
The multi-unit Garda operation is being conducted across 5 counties - Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Westmeath and Kilkenny.
These include farms, houses and a commercial premises.
The operation - led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation - relates to the export of horse meat suspected of being contaminated.
The ongoing investigation is also associated with the suspected tampering of ID, passports and microchips of horses presented for slaughter in this jurisdiction.
The Criminal Assets Bureau, and National Cyber Crime Bureau were among those involved in the multi unit operation, while officials from both the Department of Agriculture and Food Safety Authority also offered assistance.
The authorities will not be commenting on the issue while the operation is ongoing.
