A search is under way for a number of men disguised as gardaí who forced a truck driver to pull over and robbed cigarettes from his vehicle early this morning.
The robbery took place between 3.15 and 3.30 a.m. on the main Dublin-to-Galway road near the town of Tyrellspass, Co Westmeath.
It is believed that the men were unarmed.
Gardai are also searching for the vehicle, which is described as a Scania articulated truck with a white 2box type2 trailer and the words "Good care experts on distribution" written on the side. The registration of the vehicle is 2003 SO 1776.
The driver, who was locked in nearby shed, is believed to be unhurt but was unable to escape for a number of hours.
It is not yet clear how many raiders were involved or what quantity of cigarettes was stolen. Gardaí in Mullingar are investigating.