Customs seize 160m cigarettes

REVENUE’S Customs Service have seized almost 160 million cigarettes worth almost €70 million this year, saving the Exchequer from a potential lost of over €55m.

The latest figures follow the most recent seizure in Meelick, Co Clare, where 37,000 cigarettes and over 20 kilogrammes tobacco were recovered. Customs officers have questioned a 50-year-old man following the discovery of the haul which has an estimated retail value of €23,000 while the potential loss to the Exchequer as a result of any sale of the contraband could be have been €20,000.

The cigarettes and “roll-your-own” tobacco were recovered after Customs officers executed a search warrant at the man’s premises. A Customs spokesperson confirmed: “The seizure was part of ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes. Our investigation is ongoing with a view to prosecution.”