Two men have been arrested in County Carlow in relation to human trafficking and labour exploitation.
Gardaí from the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit searched a premises on Monday.
The men, in their 30s and 50s, are being held at Kilkenny Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has been the victim of human trafficking to contact their National Protective Services Bureau or ring the Garda Confidential Line.
A garda spokesperson says: "As part of the ongoing investigations into human trafficking and related criminal activity, officers attached to the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU), at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), conducted a search and arrest operation in County Carlow, on Monday 4th September 2023.
"In the course of the operation two men aged in their 30’s and 50’s were arrested and detained at Kilkenny Garda Station contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
"A file has been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
"An Garda Síochána is calling on anyone who has been the victim of human trafficking to contact the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 11, or any Garda station. Incidents of human trafficking can also be reported to blueblindfold@garda.ie where they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity."
