Revenue seizes cash and tobacco in Cork

In an operation codenamed 'Coco', officers from Revenue's Customs Service, seized 1,800 unstamped cigarettes, 3.5kgs of roll-your-own tobacco, €12,200 in cash and a commercial vehicle in Cork this morning (28/11/13). The cigarettes and tobacco had a retail value of €2,463 and a potential loss to the Exchequer of €1,946.

Officers executed a search warrant on a private residence on the North side of Cork city and, with the assistance of Revenue's cash and tobacco sniffer dog 'Harvey', they seized the 'Mayfair' cigarettes and 'Samson' and 'Golden Virginia' tobacco. The cash was detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2005.

An Irish male in his fifties is being questioned. Investigations are ongoing and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

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: 28/11/13]