REVENUE OFFICERS HAVE seized 1.6 million cigarettes as part of an intelligence-led operation this afternoon.

The retail value of the contraband is almost €880,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €700,000.

The seized cigarettes, branded “Richman Royal”, were found when officers intercepted a truck near the M1 motorway in Co Louth.

The smuggled cigarettes may have originated in Dubai and were concealed in a number of crates said to contain book covers, according to the Revenue.

Revenue is asking people who may know of someone evading tax or involved in smuggling to report it by contacting the Revenue’s Confidential Freephone on 1800 295 295.

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