There can only be enormous concern over the scale of the weaponry which was seized by Gardaí during a major raid at a warehouse in west Dublin.
The haul included nine revolvers, four semi-automatic pistols, a submachine gun and an assault rifle, as well as up to 1,400 rounds of ammunition, and reports said some of the guns had been laid out on a table for collection and immediate use.
All the indications are that Tuesday's discovery was linked to the Kinahan crime cartel, which has been involved in a particularly bloody and prolonged feud with a rival gang in Dublin and elsewhere.
It is clear that the security operation has prevented the loss of further lives, at least in the short term, and all the officers involved in the operation deserve enormous praise
