More than 110,000 cigarettes have been seized after Revenue detained a ship off the coast of Dublin.

Following a surveillance operation, officers detained the Italian-registered merchant vessel yesterday.

During a search of the boat they discovered 118,140 cigarettes, branded ‘L&M’, ‘Marlboro’ and ‘Winston’.

The seized cigarettes had an estimated retail value of more than €70,000.

In a statement, Revenue said: "The vessel was detained as a result of the excise offences and was subsequently released on payment of a penalty of €50,000. Investigations are ongoing.

"This seizure was part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products."

Main image via Revenue