Some 200,000 contraband cigarettes have been seized by Customs officers on a ship in New Ross, Co Wexford.
The operation involved the MV Suirbheir cutter which had the Maltese-registered vessel under surveillance since it left Kalingrad in Russia.
The L&M brand cigarettes were discovered on the ship when it arrived in Ireland and the vessel was placed under arrest. The operation was initiated after intelligence was received by Customs officials.
The cigarettes are valued at €65,000 with a potential loss to Revenue of €61,000.