Customs Seize 6 Million Cigarettes
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, assisted by Gardaí from Coolock and Swords Garda Stations, today (08/02/11) seized approximately six million contraband cigarettes and two commercial vehicles in the Coolock area.
The seizure, which was a result of a surveillance operation, has an estimated retail value of €2.5m and a potential loss to the exchequer of €2.1m.
The consignment of cigarettes, which arrived into Dublin Port from China, was concealed in a shipment described as 'glasswool insulation rolls'. The brands of cigarettes seized were 'Palace', 'Lambert & Butler' and 'Marlboro'.
The European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) played a pivitol role in assisting the Revenue Commissioners in this international surveillance operation. Several individuals were interviewed and investigations are ongoing both nationally and internationally.
To date in 2011, 17.2m cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €7m have been seized by Revenue's Customs Service.
[Ends 08/02/11]
A confidential free phone number (1800 295 295) was introduced in 2010 for members of the public and businesses to provide Customs with any information they may have regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes.