A former Belfast sportsman is believed to be the man at the centre of a suspected kidnapping.
Four men were arrested by armed police on the M50 in Dublin after Gardai received a report from the PSNI about the kidnap of a man in Belfast.
Police in the north are understood to have provided Gardai with details of a vehicle and a live Garda managed-containment operation was launched on Thursday night.
The suspects were detained on the M50 near Ballymun and a firearm was seized after a car was intercepted shortly before 10pm.
It is understood the four men are being questioned on suspicion of false imprisonment and firearms offences.
Reports suggest the alleged kidnapping is related to organised crime.
Gardai said the man reported to have been kidnapped in Belfast was found safe and well.
A gardaí spokesperson said: “Following information received from the PSNI in relation to a report of kidnap in Belfast on Thursday, 21st March in Northern Ireland, a live garda managed-containment operation was instigated in Dublin last night, Thursday, March 21st, 2024.
“A car was intercepted on the M50 at Junction 4 Ballymun shortly before 10pm by armed garda units.
Four adult males, occupants of the car, were arrested at the scene for alleged offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. A firearm, subject to technical and ballistic examination, was recovered from the vehicle.
“All four individuals are currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, at garda stations in the Dublin Region.
“A fifth adult male occupant of the car, who was reported missing from Belfast, was found safe and well.
“An Garda Síochána continue to liaise closely with the PSNI.
“Investigations are ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.”
