The operations were carried out in Dublin, the Midlands, Wicklow, Monaghan and Rosslare Europort.

He is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice at 4.30pm on Thursday. 

7,920,000 cigarettes with an estimated value of €7.1 million were seized.

The Office of the Inspector of Prisons has recommended that the Irish Prison Service should intensify efforts to physically prevent drugs from entering jails