Customs Seize 12 Million Cigarettes at Dublin Port
Officers from Revenue's Customs service based at Dublin Port have seized over 12 million counterfeit cigarettes in two separate operations. The seizures have a total estimated retail value of €3.6m and represent a potential loss to the exchequer of €3m.
In an operation last night, (09/12/2010), officers assisted by members of the Gardai from Coolock Garda station, seized a 20-foot container and van containing approximately four million 'Marlboro Light' cigarettes. The container, which arrived into Dublin Port from China, had its contents described as 'alloy wheels'. An Irish man detained at the scene was later released and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
In a second operation this morning (10/12/2010), officers at Dublin Port seized a 40-foot container with approximately 8 million cigarettes. The container of 'John Player Blue' cigarettes, which arrived from Singapore, had its contents described as 'instant noodles'.
As part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes, officers in Dublin Port have seized approximately 80 million cigarettes to date in 2010.
[Ends: 10/12/2010]
A confidential free phone number (1800 295 295) was introduced earlier this year for members of the public and businesses to provide Customs with any information they may have regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes.