Customs Seize 8 million Cigarettes at Dublin Port
Officers from Revenue’s Customs Service yesterday (12/09/11) seized approximately 8 million cigarettes at Dublin Port with a retail value of €3.1m and potential loss to the exchequer of €2.5m.
The illegal consignment arrived in Dublin Port from Spain in a 40ft maritime container declared as "paper products" and contained "Regal", "Richman" and "Hoop" brand cigarettes. A Northern Ireland registered commercial vehicle and trailer were seized as part of the operation. Investigations are ongoing both nationally and internationally.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes. Revenue would like to remind anyone tempted to buy cheap cigarettes from an irregular source of supply that there is a high possibility they are buying counterfeit goods, which provide an unknown set of health risks as the product is not the subject of quality control. It also takes much needed funds from the exchequer; hurts legitimate trade and is funding criminal activity. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.
This latest seizure brings the total number of cigarettes seized to date in 2011 to approximately 87 million with a retail value of approx €33.2m.
[Ends 13/09/11]