Two men were brought before a special sitting of Galway District Court this evening charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
A third man, who also appeared before the court, was charged in connection with possession of drugs with the intent to supply.
The three men are among 12 people who were arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation by gardaí into organised crime in the west of Ireland.
27-year-old Eddie O'Loughlin from Rockfield, Ballybane, Galway, and his brother, 30-year-old Michael O'Loughlin, from Rahylin Glebe, Ballybane, were charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 10 February 2010 and 1 June 2010.
A third man, 21-year-old Dean Shepherd from Cookes Terrace, Bothermore, Galway was charged with the possession of drugs, namely cannabis resin, with intent to supply.
All three men were remanded in custody and are due before Harristown District Court on 11 June.
The three men were arrested as part of an investigation by gardaí into organised criminal activity in the west of Ireland, including drugs and firearms offences, intimidation, extortion, burglaries and robberies.
Twenty premises including private residences and offices were searched last Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Twelve people in total have been arrested in connection with suspected offences under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 as part of this investigation.
Three of those have since been released without charge.
