Four arrests after 11m cigarettes seized

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion, after the seizure of more than 11 million cigarettes in south Armagh on Monday.

Details of the operation have been announced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The cigarettes were found during searches of two premises near Newry.

Fuel laundering equipment was also seized, along with vehicles and 400 litres of illegal fuel.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the outcome of the joint operation as "incredibly significant".

The four men, aged between 23 and 33, have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

HMRC said £6m in duty and taxes had not been paid on the cigarettes.

Dermot Clarke, from its fraud investigation unit, said: "The trade in illicit cigarettes damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders.

"We continue to work closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules."