Officers seize almost €300k worth of cigarettes, drink and vehicles

Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, assisted by gardaí, have seized cigarettes, spirits, beer, vehicles and cash - with a total value of almost €300,000.

Revenue detection dogs Harvey, Frankie and Ben also assisted in the operation.

The retail value of the cigarettes, which included ‘Marlboro Red’, ‘West’, ‘L&M’ and ‘WZ Gold,’ is €238,000. The retail value of the 23 varieties of spirits, which included vodka and whiskey, is €27,200.

Various documents were also seized.

The operation involved a number of searches of both residential and commercial premises, under warrant, in Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon and Kildare.

A number of people are being questioned and files are being prepared for the DPP.

Revenue Commissioner Liam Irwin said: “This operation is a result of months of painstaking investigations and co-operation between Revenue and An Garda Síochána.

“Revenue is determined to disrupt this type of illegal activity and to vigorously prosecute those involved.”