Smugglers target lax Irish courts

The leniency of the courts and the lack of policing resources is ensuring that Ireland continues to be a prime target for international smugglers, a retail group has claimed.

Retailers Against Smuggling, which represents independent retailers in the fight against the black market, was reacting to the latest Revenue defaulters’ figures. According to the data, half of those convicted of cigarette smuggling in the last quarter gave an address outside the State, primarily in eastern Europe, but also in Britain and Africa.

“This information shows that regrettably we remain a target for international crime gangs who still see Ireland as being soft on smugglers,” said Benny Gilsenan, spokesman for RAS, which represents 3,000 retailers nationwide.

While Mr Gilsenan was quick to commend Revenue for its hard work and dedication in securing convictions against smugglers and illegal cigarette sellers, he warned that the fines being handed down were not acting as a deterrent.

“With a few exceptions, smugglers can expect to get fines of about €2,500 on conviction,” said Mr Gilsenan. “This does not represent an increase on previous years and is clearly not a deterrent for smugglers.”

According to Revenue figures, just four convicted smugglers were fined over €3,000 on conviction. Only two offenders received custodial sentences, on both occasions for just three months.

“The message that such lenient fines and light sentences send out is that, even if you get caught smuggling large quantities of counterfeit cigarettes into this country, you’ll only get a slap on the wrist,” said Mr Gilsenan. “For a criminal gang that earns €3m a week from illegal activity, €3,000 is a drop in the ocean.”

The impact of smuggling on the independent retail trade is stark, with stores represented by RAS relying on tobacco sales for 25% to 35% of their sales turnover.

“RAS believes that the Government needs to put more resources into combating the smuggling problem,” Mr Gilsenan said.

Among the measures RAS is calling for are the introduction of more mobile scanners at ports; higher fines and more custodial sentences on conviction for smugglers; and a clampdown on markets and fairs where illegal products are sold.