It is understood more than ten properties were searched as part of an operation targeting an organised crime group involved in the sale and supply of drugs in the Longford area.

Individuals are also alleged to have been involved in the operation of prostitution in the county and others were under investigation after a robbery of goods and equipment.

The operation is still ongoing.

Peter Keating, 39, from Rowlagh Green in Clondalkin is accused of directing the activities of a criminal gang inside and outside the State.

He is also charged with helping a criminal gang commit a serious offence, namely the murder of James Gately.

Gately, a member of the Hutch organised crime gang has survived a number of attempts on his life.

The second accused, 60-year-old Stephen Fowler from Blakestown Cottages in west Dublin is also charged with helping a criminal gang to commit a serious offence, namely the murder of James Gately inside the State.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 7 December 2016 and 6 April  2017.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear again before the Special Criminal Court next week

There were no applications for bail.