LONDON, ENGLAND (AFP) - Irish police have seized about 7,000 swords, including some with blades up to 121 centimetres long, during raids in Dublin, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Air rifles were also confiscated during the raids by detectives on warehouses and other premises on Monday in northern Dublin, police said.

"Approximately 7,000 swords of different length and specification, and also a number of air rifles, have been seized," police in a statement.

Reports in Ireland said the Garda, or police, have smashed a massive illegal supply network for lethal swords.

Some samurai and ninja-style swords had decorative and colourful handles, photographs released by police showed.

Hundreds were found still in boxes while others with blades ranging in size from one to four feet long were on display.

Two men in their twenties were detained after the weapons were recovered but have since been released without charge.