Customs officers seized illegal cigarettes with an estimated retail value of at €3.1 million and a potential loss to the exchequer of €2.5 million at Dublin Port yesterday.
A statement issued this morning by Revenue said officers seized approximately 8 million cigarettes in a 40ft container which was declared as "paper products".
The illegal consignment arrived in Dublin Port from Spain and contained "Regal", "Richman" and "Hoop" brand cigarettes.
A Northern Ireland registered commercial vehicle and trailer were seized as part of the operation. Investigations are ongoing both nationally and internationally.
Approximately 87 million illegal cigarettes have been seized so far this year with a retail value of about €33.2 million.
