Revenue seizes smuggled cigarettes in Limerick and Dublin
On Wednesday (24/08/2016) in two intelligence-led operations, Revenue officers seized over 18,000 cigarettes in Limerick and Dublin.
The smuggled cigarettes originated in Bulgaria and Ukraine and were detected by Revenue Officers in Athlone and Portlaoise Mail Centres.
In the first of two follow-up operations, Revenue Officers acting under court warrant and assisted by detector dog Harvey searched a house in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. They interviewed a Lithuanian man and seized 8,880 cigarettes branded NZ Gold. In the second operation, Revenue officers also acting under court warrant, searched a house in Dublin, where they interviewed a Bulgarian man and seized 10,000 cigarettes, branded Marlboro and Karelia. Investigations are continuing in both cases, with a view to prosecution.
The cigarettes, with a total retail value of over €9,400 represented a potential loss to the exchequer of over €7,800.
These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes in the shadow economy. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes or tobacco, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.
The majority of people pay the right amount of tax and duty. If you know someone is evading tax or involved in smuggling, report it to Revenue.
You can do this quickly, easily and confidentially using our secure online reporting form or by contacting our confidential free phone number 1800 295 295. For more information, see Reporting shadow economy activity/Tax Evasion.
[Ends: 25/08/16]