Revenue Co-Host Conference on EU-US Cooperation to Combat Tobacco Smuggling
The Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Lenihan, TD, today (20/09/10) opened an international conference for investigators and prosecutors in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The aim of this high-level conference is to reinforce EU-US cooperation in combating tobacco smuggling and to further develop the strong working relationship between US and EU Law Enforcement Agencies.
This conference, which is the first EU-USA conference of its kind for investigators and prosecutors, is being co-hosted by the EU Anti-Fraud Agency (OLAF) and the Irish Revenue Commissioners.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Lenihan said:
"As in many other fields involving cross border crime, more than ever before, there is a need for the sharing of information, the sharing of international best practices, for close international cooperation and for using international legal instruments and processes available to us."
"Society relies on your skills in relation to investigation and prosecution and every opportunity to share experiences and enhance those skills should be taken. This is one of the reasons that I believe this conference is so important and will be successful."
Welcoming delegates to the conference, Revenue Chairman Josephine Feehily said:
"Revenue takes the problem of tobacco smuggling very seriously. Quite apart from the loss of yield to the Exchequer, it undermines government health policy."
"The problem is a global one and must be handled on the basis of international cooperation and best practice. We’ve always worked very closely with OLAF and are honoured to collaborate with them in organising this international event."
The close professional and supportive relationship that Ireland has with OLAF, and a high level of intelligence sharing and international co-operation has resulted in significant increases in the number of seizures of cigarettes and tobacco in Ireland in recent years. A prime example of this was the seizure by Revenue's Customs Service of 120 million cigarettes valued at approximately €50 million, at Greenore Port, Co. Louth in October 2009 - the largest single seizure of cigarettes in the EU to date.
In 2009, Revenue’s Customs service seized 218 million cigarettes and over 10,000 kg of tobacco. 148 million cigarettes were seized to date in 2010. Prosecutions for tobacco related offences have increased with 85 court convictions in 2008 rising to 167 convictions in 2009.
[Ends 20/09/10]
Additional Information
Revenue’s Customs Service seized 74.5 million cigarettes in 2007 and 135 million cigarettes in 2008.