Tobacco seized in Cork
A team of 18 officers from Revenue’s Customs service in Cork yesterday (01/10/2009) raided 11 private dwellings under search warrants in the Blackpool and Farranree areas on the North side of Cork city.
The raids were part of an intelligence led operation, codenamed "Cue Ball" and resulted from ongoing investigations into the sale of contraband and counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco in Cork City. Approximately 100,000 cigarettes and 10Kgs of "Roll your own" tobacco were discovered in the search of houses. The seized contraband has a value of €40,000.
The brands seized included, Benson & Hedges, Classic Gold, Palace, Raquel, John Player Blue, Superkings and Samson. A large part of the seizures consisted of counterfeit cigarettes. A private vehicle, an amount of cash and mobile phones were also seized. Five people have been questioned and prosecutions are being considered in all cases.
During the period January to August 2009, Revenues Customs officers seized a total of 60.6million cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €25.5million. Over 32million of these cigarettes have been confirmed as counterfeit. A Revenue spokesperson said:
"anyone tempted to buy cheap cigarettes from an irregular source of supply should be aware that there is a high possibility that they are buying counterfeit products, which provide an unknown set of 'health' risks as the product is not the subject of quality control. Where contraband product is detected on sale at any premises, stall or by street seller, the retailer or seller will be prosecuted."
[Ends 02/10/2009]