Seizure of 5 Million Cigarettes in Co. Cavan
Officers from Revenues Customs Service last night seized approximately five million 'M P' brand cigarettes at a remote warehouse near Cootehill, Co. Cavan. The seizure followed a lengthy operation that involved both the Dutch and Belgian Customs Services and OLAF, the European Commission Anti Fraud Office.
The cigarettes had been concealed in bales of plywood that had been shipped in a 40-foot container which originated in Paraguay. The container arrived into Dublin Port on Sunday 13th August 2006 and was kept under surveillance. On 16th August the container moved onwards to the Cootehill warehouse where the contents were discharged and Customs officers moved in on the premises. Several persons were interviewed at the premises but no arrests were made. Investigations are ongoing both nationally and internationally. The cigarettes are valued at €1.5million, with potential loss of revenue amounting to €1.2million.
[Ends 17/08/2006]