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Vehicles seized on Monaghan/Armagh border in anti-smuggling raids

Photo: An Garda Síochána

A number of vehicles have been seized by police on the Irish border in Co Monaghan.

An Garda Síochána made the seizures following anti-smuggling raids close to the Armagh border on Thursday morning.

In total, officers searched 10 separate properties and seized four vehicles and cash.

These searches were carried out at seven homes and three yards/industrial sheds.

A Garda spokesperson said: “For over a year the Criminal Assets Bureau has, in accordance with its statutory remit, been investigating a group suspected of being involved in various international smuggling activities.

“That investigation has intensified over the past two weeks.

“A number of restraining orders in respect of accounts in financial institutions have been made by a Judge of the District Court.

“As part of the operation the Bureau detained a Northern Ireland Registered Tractor Unit and Curtain Sider Trailer at Dublin Port on Tuesday last.

“The Bureau also detained a Bulgarian Registered tractor unit and a curtain sider trailer at the same location on Tuesday last.

“The Criminal Assets Bureau investigation is continuing. The Criminal Assets Bureau is taking proportionate action to prevent the concealment and disposal of assets.”

The following items have been seized: 192 (2019) X5 BMW M Sport; 2016 X5 BMW; 2014 VW Transporter Crew Cab; 2.8 litre Mitsubishi Shogun; Documents and records; Electronic Devices; Cash (€1,400 euros, $900 dollars and Sterling £600).

The investigation is not linked to the ongoing Essex investigation.

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