Illegal tobacco trade shows surge in growth

The trade in illegal tobacco appears to be accelerating significantly with 23 counties recording convictions for unlawful activities last year.

Figures from the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee show, in 2011, only Sligo, Kildare and Roscommon had no convictions for either smuggling or selling illegal cigarettes. In 2010, 11 counties had no convictions.

The latest figures show Dublin had the most convictions — 32 for smuggling and 18 for selling. In Cork there were 11 convictions, seven for smuggling and four for selling.