4.8 Million Cigarettes seized in Rosslare Europort
Officers from Revenue’s Customs service last night (03/03/2005) discovered 4.8 million contraband cigarettes valued at €1.4 Million. The cigarettes, a Scania truck and refrigerated trailer have been seized. The potential loss of revenue amounts to €1.2 Million. The 'Palace' brand cigarettes were found hidden in a container behind packages of frozen chips.
The cigarettes originated in the Canaries and the load was picked up in Malaga, Spain. They arrived in Rosslare by ferry from Cherbourg, France. The 'frozen chips' were consigned to an address in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Two Northern Ireland residents accompanying the load were released after questioning.
The find resulted from risk profiling. Investigations are continuing.
[Ends 03/03/2005]
Photographs available.