Survey: Almost 30% of empty cigarette packets are illegal

The National Federation of Retail Newsagents in Ireland is warning the Government to tackle the sale of illegal cigarettes.

A new survey shows almost 28% of discarded empty packets across the country are illegal and untaxed.

The highest incidence of illegal cigarettes in 22 major centres across the country reveals regional black spots where the trade is on the increase.

The President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Joe Sweeney, is calling for the introduction of on the spot fines for the possession of counterfeit tobacco, as is the case in Canada.

The research shows smokers in Drogheda in Co. Louth and Tallaght in Dublin are the biggest users of illegal cigarettes, followed by Athlone in Co. Westmeath while the lowest is Clonmel in Co. Tipperary.