HM Revenue and Customs seized 1.3 million illicit cigarettes in south Armagh on Wednesday after searching residential and commercial premises. Approximately £70,000 in cash was also recovered.

Two men, aged 77 and 34, were arrested and charged on suspicion of excise duty evasion. Both have been released pending further enquiries.

The total duty evaded is estimated at £670,000.

An HMRC spokesperson said the illicit tobacco trade deprives public services of funding, undercuts legitimate businesses, and funds other crimes affecting communities. The spokesperson said HMRC would continue to work with partners to tackle the trade and urged anyone with information about illegal tobacco sales to report it via GOV.UK.