Revenue seizes cigarettes in Limerick

Officers from Revenue's Customs Service have, today (20/11/13), seized over 13,000 cigarettes in Limerick City as part of a planned operation. The 'Hong Mie', 'Huang Shan', 'Double Happiness', 'Septwolf' and '8' cigarettes have a retail value of over €6,100 and a potential loss to the Exchequer of €4,800.

Officers executed search warrants at a number of business premises and a private residence in Limerick City and a number of Chinese nationals were questioned. Additional items including documentation, mobile phones, laptops, disc drives and airway bills were also seized during the searches.

The investigation is on-going with a view to prosecution.

A quantity of herbal cannabis was also found which is being investigated by An Garda Síochana.

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: 20/11/13]