Tobacco smuggling blamed on recession and government duty

Reduced income as a result of the recession and high levels of government duty on a 20-pack of cigarettes is driving tobacco smuggling, according to manufacturers.

The profit made by tobacco smugglers can be enormous and the penalties if caught are far less severe than for drugs.

Ireland has the highest price for a packet of 20 premium cigarettes in the EU, with an average price of between €9.30 and €9.50.