Children used as ‘runners’ in illegal cigarette trade

CRIME gangs making €3 million a week from selling smuggled cigarettes are using children as young as 12 as “runners” to hold their cash.

Gangs are increasingly using children to carry guns and money because under the law they are unlikely to be brought before the courts if arrested.

The tobacco industry estimates that €700m will be lost to the Exchequer this year alone, such is the size of the black market.