Detector dog Toby helps sniff out more than 9.6m cigarettes in Co Louth

The intelligence-led operation had the aid of detector dog Toby and Garda members  from the Dundalk Detective Unit, the Roads Policing Unit, and the Armed Support Unit. Picture: Revenue

Investigations are ongoing following the seizure of more than 9.8m cigarettes which were discovered in a vehicle in Co Louth on Friday. 

The intelligence-led operation had the aid of detector dog Toby and members of An Garda Síochána from the Dundalk Detective Unit, the Roads Policing Unit, and the Armed Support Unit.

The cigarettes in the Co Louth seizure which were branded 'Platinum Seven' have an estimated value of over €8.2m. Picture: Revenue

The cigarettes, which were branded 'Platinum Seven', have an estimated value of over €8.2m, a Revenue spokesperson said. 

This represented a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €6.4m. 

A man in his 60s has been questioned and "investigations are ongoing", the spokesperson added. 

"This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products."

"If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800-295295," the spokesperson said.