Thousands of e-bikes and a small number of e-scooters have been seized in Wexford with an estimated value of €4.5 million.
As part of an operation targeting the illegal importation of e-bikes, Revenue officers executed search warrants at two warehouses in the county in recent days.
During these searches, 4,000 e-bikes and a small number of e-scooters were discovered, alongside ancillary items and spare parts.
It is believed the bikes and scooters are part of an international smuggling operation being conducted across the EU.
You’d be genuinely mad to buy an SUV unless you need it - just look at latest climate and safety figures
What does Trump’s 50% EU tariff threat mean for Ireland?
Michael Gaine homicide case: The full story so far
Hazel Stewart ‘under coercive control’ of lover Colin Howell when respective spouses murdered
The vehicles, which are believed to have been destined for sale on both the national and wider EU market, are estimated to have a retail value of €4.5 million, according to Revenue.
A Revenue spokesperson said a number of individuals are assisting with inquiries.
[ Michael Gaine homicide case: The full story so farOpens in new window ]
[ What does Trump’s 50% EU tariff threat mean for Ireland?Opens in new window ]
The operation was conducted with the EU’s anti-fraud agency “to protect the EU’s financial interests against what is believed to be part of an international smuggling operation being conducted across the EU”.
The spokesperson added: “These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing campaign targeting the illegal importation of products into the State and the wider European Union. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.”
Separately, five people have been arrested in Wicklow following a Garda operation targeting those involved in burglary, theft and drug-related offences in the county.
Some 13 locations across the county were searched on Friday morning by uniformed gardaí, who were assisted by the detective unit, the armed support unit, the air support unit and roads policing personnel.
Five people arrested during the searches are currently detained at Garda stations in the southeast region under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
A Garda spokesperson said an imitation firearm was seized and will be sent for ballistic analysis.
Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes, of the Wexford Wicklow Division, said gardaí across the county have been “working around the clock” to investigate crimes, and are “determined to continue detecting and preventing criminals from profiting from the hardship of others”.
“When a person’s home is broken into or someone has had their possessions taken away from them, it can leave a lasting impact and really affect their sense of safety and privacy. It’s an invasion and causes huge upset,” he said.
Meanwhile, gardaí conducted more than 80 checkpoints across the county on Friday, while throughout the day, both covert and high visibility crime and burglary patrols were carried out which detected a number of road traffic and crime-related incidents.
It comes as 12 other people were arrested over the past 10 days who have been wanted under warrant for failing to appear in court.
A further two people were arrested in the past two weeks, one of whom is now before the courts, after the seizure of more than €100,000 worth of drugs in the county.
