Pirated compact discs and cassettes with an estimated value of over £2 million have been seized.
Illegal recordings of music by artists like Rod Stewart and Garth Brooks were part of the haul made in a series of Garda raids on a number of private houses near Dundalk. Gardaí and detectives from the anti-racketeering unit are continuing their investigations.
Chief Supt John O'Brien describes the content siezed during the raids and the quality of the art work on CDs and cassette tapes which look like the real thing. Gardaí believe that there may well be a paramilitary connection.
The artwork associated with the main products which is up to good commercial representation.
These pirate copies are created using sophisticated reproduction technology and operates through a network of underworld outlets.
The recording industry is seeking new legislation and tougher penalties for copyright breaches. Will Kavanagh, EMI, says that the maximum penalty pirates face is £1,000.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 November 1994. The reporter is Peter Cluskey.
