Fines for tobacco smuggling ‘too weak’

A FORMER British police chief has warned Ireland’s penalties for cigarette smuggling are too weak and encourage criminals to use Irish shores as drop-off points for major hauls.

The average fine handed to convicted cigarette smugglers this year is less than €500, according to figures obtained by the Irish Examiner yesterday.

Fine Gael’s justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan last night said those who sold illegal cigarettes should face increased fines of at least €10,000, as the state was haemorrhaging around €500 million a year in lost revenue.