South Armagh: Four arrested after 11 million cigarettes seized in Newry

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

Four men, aged between 23 and 33, were released on bail while the investigation continues.

HMRC said duty and tax worth £6 million on cigarettes had not been paid.

Dermot Clarke, of the fraud investigation unit, said: “The illicit cigarette trade is damaging funding for essential public services and weakening legitimate traders.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to go after the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.”