Customs seize tobacco worth €4m

Customs officers have seized a multi-million euro shipment of smuggled tobacco in Co Monaghan.

Eight tonnes of tobacco leaf believed destined for a cigarette-making plant in the Border area was discovered in the operation yesterday, along with paraphenalia for manufacturing cigarettes such as filters and packaging material.

Customs officials estimated the revenue at risk from the haul, which could have been used to make 12 million cigarettes, was over €4 million.

The consignment arrived through Dublin Port from Holyhead on Monday. It was packed on pallets in a 40 foot-container and declared as "paper".

However, subsequent investigations revealed inconsistencies, and the load was followed to a premises in Co Monaghan. Officers then seized the illegal shipment.

Customs official said the seizure is believed to be a "major blow" to the criminals involved.