Contraband cigarettes and tobacco seized

Almost 130,000 contraband cigarettes and 11kg of tobacco were seized today from three commercial premises in north Dublin.

The haul, which had the potential loss of €50,000 to the exchequer, was found during a joint operation by customs officers from Dublin Port and gardaí.

During a series of coordinated raids officers uncovered 129,000 cigarettes and 11kg of “roll-your-own” tobacco.

Nobody was arrested at the scene, but a number of people were said to have helped with inquiries.

Files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A Revenue spokesman said the search was a successful operation.

“We are confident that information gleaned during this action will assist us in future operations,” he said.

“The cigarettes seized are a mix of brands, including Mayfair, Marlboro, L&M and Dorchester, that will assist us in identifying further contraband.”

He added that further operations were being planned.