As a result of an ongoing operation targeting the illegal importation of contraband products the Garda Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and Revenue's Customs Service today (17/9/13) seized approximately 9 million cigarettes.
A truck & and a 4x4 vehicle were stopped at a service station on the M1 near Castlebellingham, Co Louth this morning at 8.15am. During the course of the search approximately nine million (9M) illegal cigarettes were seized. This seizure has an estimated potential loss to revenue of €3.7 million and estimated street value of €4.3 million
Four men were arrested at the scene (36yrs, 38yrs, 39yrs & 44yrs) they are currently detained at Drogheda and Dundalk Garda Station Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
During follow up searches in relation to this operation a number of business premises and private residences were searched.
Investigations are continuing.
