Tobacco smuggler gangs fined an average of only €527, finds study

CRIME gangs smuggling tonnes of illegal tobacco into the country are facing fines on average of just €527, shocking new figures have shown.

Last year alone, Customs officers intercepted a staggering 3.4 tonnes of tobacco and 178.3 million cigarettes worth €76.5 million.

It is estimated the illegal trade is depriving retailers of more than €500m of income per annum.