A tentative peace deal has been brokered between criminals involved in the longstanding Crumlin-Drimnagh feud in the past two weeks.

Senior garda sources say criminals from both factions in Ireland and abroad have made contact with each other and agreed the violence should stop for the time being. It is understood families on both sides were behind the move, following incidents in the summer where family members of those involved were targeted in attacks.

Eleven men have so far died in the feud. The most recent killing linked to it was the death of Christopher Barry (25), from Killester in Dublin, who was shot in Byrne's Bookmakers on Killester Avenue on 13 September.

"Things have calmed down at the moment. There's been contact between some of the senior members in Ireland and abroad and they have agreed to stop the violence for the moment," according to a well-placed garda source.

"We don't believe it was a sit-down meeting, just phone contact. They are in the business of drug dealing and would prefer to be making money doing that than losing money trying to kill each other. But it's hard to know how long it will last, anything could happen to start it off again. There have been attempts at peace between them in the past."

Early last week, an investigation headed by the Organised Crime Unit (OCU) and detectives in Crumlin resulted in the seizure of cannabis and heroin valued at over €4m at different locations in Dublin. The target of the operation was a gang leader from the Crumlin and Drimnagh area and close associate of 'Fat' Freddie Thompson. Thompson is currently out of the country following a series of death threats.

Four men in total were arrested. Two men in their 20s arrested on Tuesday in Templeogue have been charged in relation to the seizure of 10kg of heroin, 14kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis. Both have been remanded in custody and will appear in court again on Wednesday. A man and woman arrested in relation to the seizure of herbal cannabis and cocaine on Monday were released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

The drug seizures followed a lengthy surveillance of criminals who were renting apartments in Dublin suburbs Foxrock, Stepaside, Castleknock and Templeogue.

"This is a common enough tactic. They picked these areas not because they are in upmarket areas, as has been suggested, but because they are in isolated areas," the garda added.