Eight million cigarettes found in 'paper products' container

Eight million cigarettes have been seized by customs officers at Dublin Port.

The haul has a retail value of €3.1m and a potential loss to the exchequer of €2.5m.

The consignment arrived at Dublin Port from Spain in a 40-foot maritime container which was labelled "paper products".

It contained Regal Richman and Hoop brands.

A Northern Ireland-registered commercial vehicle and trailer were also seized as part of the operation.

Investigations are on-going nationally and internationally.

It brings the total number of cigarettes seized so far this year to around 87 million with a retail value of more than €33m.