300k cigarettes seized at Cork Airport in three months

Over the past three months, Revenue Customs at Cork Airport has seized almost 200,000 cigarettes valued at €86,531, half of which were confiscated during a week-long operation focused on the illegal trade.

During the same period, customs officials have also confiscated 2.3kg of illegal drugs, including 1.1kg of cannabis found to have been swallowed by two individuals. Weapons, including revolvers and a hunting knife, were also seized.

Tobacco smuggling has now become a major focus for Irish Customs, with recent research showing that one in four cigarettes smoked in the country has not had duty paid.