A joint investigation between Dutch, British and Belgian customs has resulted in the seizure of 30 million cigarettes on an industrial estate in Breda and a further 30 million in Antwerp port.

Five men, three from the Netherlands and two from Belgium, were arrested during the raids which took place earlier this month. They have since been released from custody but remain suspects in the case.

If the cigarettes had ended up on the Dutch market, the treasury would have missed out on €14.6 million in taxes and duty, according to finance ministry investigators.  Officials have not said where the cigarettes were heading.