Three men were arrested in Armagh after a joint garda and PSNI operation seized eight million cigarettes worth an estimated £3 million in lost revenue.
The operation included searches of a number of properties in Carlingford, Co Louth yesterday morning.
The items seized included two-and-a half tonnes of raw tobacco, equipment for the manufacture of tobacco products as well as mobile fuel-laundering machinery which was concealed in an articlauted lorry.
The operation also included officers from the Revenue Commissioners and HM Revenue and Customs in Northern Ireland.
The three men, aged 34, 37 and 55, were arrested by officers from HM Revenue and Customs.
A number of vehicles, cash and other items were also seized during the searches in Carlingford.
The items seized included €100,000 in cash, 2.5 tonnes of raw tobacco, equipment for the manufacture of tobacco products as well as mobile fuel-laundering machinery, which was hidden in an articulated lorry.
