GARDAÍ and Customs are hopeful of bringing prosecutions against the organised crime gang that masterminded the importation of 120 million cigarettes in Co Louth this week.

CUSTOMS officials are flying out to the Philippines in the coming days as part of a massive investigation into the smuggling of 120 million cigarettes into Ireland.

CRIME bosses were set to earn around €20 million profit if the consignment of 120 million cigarettes was not intercepted by the state.