A number of high-end cars and a van have been seized in Co Monaghan this morning.
They were recovered by Criminal Assets Bureau officials investigating a group suspected of being involved in international smuggling.
The Criminal Assets Bureau says its investigation into this group has intensified over the past 2 weeks, but is not linked to the ongoing Essex Police inquiry.
As part of the operation, a Northern Irish Registered Tractor Unit and Curtain Sider Trailer were seized at Dublin Port last Tuesday as well as a Bulgarian Registered tractor unit and a curtain sider trailer.
This morning the Bureau conducted 10 searches throughout Co. Monaghan across 7 homes and 3 yards.
That resulted in the seizure of 2 BMW SUV's, a Volkswagon Transporter, documents and electronic devices.
€1,400 euro, $900 dollars and Sterling £600 in cash was also recovered.
No arrests were made on this occasion.
The investigation by CAB is continuing.
