Almost 40,000 contraband cigarettes have been seized in west Dublin.

They were found following the search of a car and subsequent search of a business premises in the Dublin 15 area.

It was an intelligence-led operation targetting the illegal importation and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes.

Two men were questioned about the seizures of the Marlboro-branded cigarettes which represented a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €16,000.