Revenue seize over 118,000 cigarettes and detain vessel off Dublin coast

Yesterday, (06/09/2019), after a surveillance operation, Revenue officers aboard the Revenue Customs Cutter Faire detained an Italian registered merchant vessel off the coast of Dublin. During a search of the vessel 118,140 cigarettes were seized.

The cigarettes branded ‘L&M’ ‘Marlboro’ and ‘Winston’ had an estimated retail value of over €70,000 representing a loss to the Exchequer of approximately €56,000.

The vessel was detained as a result of the excise offences and was subsequently released on payment of a penalty of €50,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure was part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products.  If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.

[ENDS 07/09/2019]