Customs officers have seized over three million contraband cigarettes worth an estimated €1.2 million in Co Carlow today.
The John Player King Size-branded cigarettes arrived into Dublin Port from China on Friday in a 40-foot container supposedly carrying toys.
Customs officers, backed by members of the gardaí kept the container under surveillance and when the cigarettes were being off-loaded moved in on the warehouse.
In a follow-up operation a private residence was searched under warrant.
READ MORE
Three persons from the Carlow area have been arrested in connection with the seizure and are currently being held at Carlow Garda station.