Four men were apprehended on Monday in south Armagh on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion, subsequent to the seizure of more than 11 million cigarettes. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released the details of this operation. The discovery of the cigarettes occurred during searches at two premises located near Newry. Fuel laundering equipment was also confiscated, alongside vehicles and 400 litres of illegal fuel. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) characterized the outcome of the joint operation as “incredibly significant”. The four men, aged between 23 and 33, have been released on bail while the investigation continues. HMRC reported that £6 million in duty and taxes had not been paid on the cigarettes. Dermot Clarke, from its fraud investigation unit, stated: “The trade in illicit cigarettes damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders.” He further added: “We continue to work closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.” Post navigation Co-op Store Robbed at Knifepoint, Cash Taken Woman in Londonderry Uses Dog Lead to Repel Knife Attacker