Four held after counterfeiting operation smashed

A SOPHISTICATED currency counterfeit operation uncovered in rural Co Laois was capable of producing millions of euro notes, gardaí suspect.

A former senior member of the Provisional IRA was among four men arrested, but gardaí believe this was a criminal enterprise and do not think dissident republicans were involved.

The Belfast-born man, who has been previously targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau, is considered the main figure behind the operation.