Gardai investigate theft of £1.5m worth of cigarettes

Garda∅ in Store Street are investigating the theft of up to £1.5 million worth of cigarettes from Dublin Port by armed raiders who took a port employee hostage at gunpoint.

The theft occurred shortly after 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday when two men entered the port's gate house and put a gun to the head of a security man, forcing him into a room which was then locked.

A third raider drove a white Scania truck into the complex and proceeded to load on to it a 40ft container with an estimated seven to eight million cigarettes inside. One of the raiders then took an Irish Ferries employee hostage, forcing him at gunpoint to lie on the back seat of a second vehicle, a maroon Rover 75.

The two vehicles were then driven out of the port. The hostage was released some time later in the Phoenix Park. Garda∅ said he was not injured.

Garda∅ also yesterday issued a description of the three raiders.

The first was described as aged around 30 years, 5 feet, 10 inches in height, heavy set and speaking with a Dublin accent. He was wearing a light-coloured coat or anorak and had his face partially covered with a scarf and spectacles. He wore gloves and was carrying a silver handgun.

The second man was in his late 20s, about 5 feet, 8 inches in height. He was wearing black clothes and his face was covered with a black balaclava.

The third man, the lorry-driver, was said to be in his late 30s, of slim build and about 5 feet, 6 inches in height. He was wearing a monkey hat and a black jacket.

Garda∅, who estimated the value of the cargo at between £1 million and £1.5 million, said the gang appeared to be highly organised.