Revenue seizes 4 million cigarettes

Officers from Revenue's Custom Service seized 3.8 million cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of €1.5m and a potential loss to the Exchequer of €1.3m, in Enniscorthy.

The '821 Red' brand cigarettes arrived into Dublin Port from Rotterdam in a groupage maritime container and were subsequently seized in Enniscorthy in a Customs operation.

Two men were interviewed and investigations are ongoing both nationally and internationally.

In a separate operation yesterday afternoon (18/09/2012), 12,000 'West' brand cigarettes were seized at Dublin Airport and a 53 year-old Polish man was arrested. He appeared this morning (19/09/2012) in the Court of Criminal Justice and was remanded in custody, by Judge Denis McLoughlin, to appear at Clover Hill on 26/09/12.

These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the smuggling and sale of illegal cigarettes. 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.

[Ends: 19/09/2012]