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Six freed in cigarette ship probe All nine freed after cigs seizure
(about 3 hours later)
Six of the nine men arrested in connection with the seizure of 120m illegal cigarettes in the Republic have been released without charge. Nine men who were arrested after the seizure of 120m illegal cigarettes in the Republic of Ireland have all been released without charge.
Revenue officials and gardai in Dublin have begun unloading the cigarettes which were seized on a ship off the County Louth coast. Two men from County Armagh were among those detained on Tuesday when the cigarettes were seized on a ship off the County Louth coast.
Two men from County Armagh were among those arrested in connection with Tuesday's seizure. Files are being sent to the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions.
Files are being sent to the DPP in relation to the six released. Revenue officials and Irish police have begun unloading the haul which has been linked to cross border crime.
The three who remain in custody are being questioned at Dundalk and Drogheda garda stations. Their period of detention has been extended but they must either be charged or released on Wednesday. It has been described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
About 150 law enforcement officers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were involved in the operation on Tuesday. Customs officials in the Irish Republic said the cigarettes were worth about £45m.
Customs officials in the Republic said the cigarettes were worth about £45m. About 150 law enforcement officers from both sides of the Irish border were involved in the operation.
The ship, which is called the MV Anne Scan, arrived in Dublin Port early on Wednesday morning.The ship, which is called the MV Anne Scan, arrived in Dublin Port early on Wednesday morning.
The unloading of the cargo, which contains more than 1,400 one-tonne bags, began in the afternoon.The unloading of the cargo, which contains more than 1,400 one-tonne bags, began in the afternoon.
It has been described as the largest find of its type in Europe. The cigarettes, which were loaded in the Philippines, were destined for markets in the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
The cigarettes, which were loaded in the Philippines, were destined for markets in the Republic and the UK.
Premises near the village of Knockbridge, just outside Dundalk, were searched on Tuesday night in connection with the operation.Premises near the village of Knockbridge, just outside Dundalk, were searched on Tuesday night in connection with the operation.
It was there that seven of the nine men were arrested.It was there that seven of the nine men were arrested.
HM Revenue and Customs have said that the operation targeted a suspected organised crime group which was operating on both sides of the Irish border.HM Revenue and Customs have said that the operation targeted a suspected organised crime group which was operating on both sides of the Irish border.