Revenue seize cigarettes, tobacco and cash in Dublin and Mayo

Yesterday (23/06/2022), as part of an intelligence led operation, Revenue officers, with the assistance of detector dog Bill and supported by An Garda Síochána, seized over 89,000 cigarettes, 39.4kgs of ‘roll your own’ tobacco and €4,600 in cash. The seizures were made following the search, under warrant, of a premises in the Dublin 7 area. 

The seized cigarettes and tobacco, of various brands, had an estimated retail value of more than €94,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €74,000. 

Two men, in their 50s and 70s and two women, in their 30s and 50s, were questioned. 

Separately yesterday (23/06/2022), as part of an intelligence led operation, Revenue officers, with the assistance of detector dog Wilson, seized approximately 8,100 cigarettes and a small quantity of ‘roll your own’ tobacco. Cash totalling €2,320 was also seized. 

The illegal cigarettes, of various brands, had an estimated retail value of more than €6,100, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €4,800, and were discovered during a search, under warrant, of a premises in County Mayo. 

A man in his 50s was questioned. 

Today (24/06/2022), Revenue officers were granted 3-month cash detention orders in respect of the cash seized in both cases. The orders were issued by Judge Fiona Lyons at Castlebar District Court and Judge Bryan Smyth at the Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin.  

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

[ENDS 24/06/2022]