4.8 million contraband cigarettes seized in Rosslare

Customs officers have seized 4.8 million contraband cigarettes at Rosslare Port in Co Wexford.

The cigarettes were found hidden in a container behind packages of frozen chips that originated in the Canary Islands.

The frozen chips were due to be delivered to an address in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo.

The truck and refrigerated trailer that they were hidden in have both been impounded, while two Northern residents who were accompanying the load were released after questioning.

Customs officers said the cigarettes represented a potential loss to the Irish Exchequer of €1.4m.