Customs officials have seized up to 120 million contraband cigarettes in what they say could be the largest seizure of its kind in the history of the State.

9 men have been arrested.

Customs officers – supported by a number of agencies – seized the cigarettes worth around €50 million on a ship in Co Louth.

Operation “Samhna” – a multi-agency operation involving revenue customs officers and gardai – moved in to Greenore Port in Co. Louth yesterday after the arrival of a cargo vessel from the Phillipines.

The M/V Anne Scan, which listed its cargo as “animal feed” – had been under surveillance for some time.

Once part of its cargo was loaded onto waiting trucks this morning – gardai and customs  uncovered the 120 million cigarettes worth an estimated €50 million.

If they had reached the streets, the haul would have represented a loss of €40 million to the exchequer.

A follow up operation also saw a number of premises searched in the Co. Louth area.