Custom officers in Cork have seized five tonnes of contraband tobacco with an estimated street value of €1.25 million.
The shipment was concealed in earthenware containers on a ship which had recently arrived from Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.
According to customs officers, the ship originated in Bangkok.
They also believe that the tobacco was destined for sale in the UK rather than in the Republic.
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No arrests have been made, but Customs and Excise says it is continuing with its inquiries, have a good idea as to who the shipment was for, and where it came from.
The tobacco was describe as a "well-know brand, but of inferior quality".
Last year Customs and Excise made 231 seizures of tobacco with a total weight of 4.7 tonnes.