Customs officers in Dublin have seized 200,000 illegal cigarettes and 90kgs of rolling tobacco in dawn raids in Dublin.
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service and gardai based at Store Street in the city targeted individuals they claim are engaged in the supply and sale of contraband cigarettes and tobacco.
The coordinated searches on premises across the city were carried out this morning as part of 'Operation Hawkeye'.
In a statement, the Revenue Commissioners said 200,000 cigarettes and the roll-your-own tobacco was uncovered in one premises.
Customs Officers also removed computer equipment and documentation which will be forensically examined. A number of people are helping with inquiries into the seizure, Revenue said.
Files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"Today's operation is another phase of our ongoing investigation into the illegal importation and sale of tobacco," a Revenue spokesman said.
"Further investigations into this activity and the individuals involved will continue. We are very pleased with the outcome of this morning's searches which proves Revenue's commitment to tackling this illegal activity."
Revenue said its Customs Service at Dublin Port and Dublin Airport has seized 34 million cigarettes this year to date, with a potential loss to the exchequer of approximately €8.5million.