Fears gangs to produce counterfeit cigarettes in Ireland

Retailers fighting tobacco and fuel smuggling are concerned that gangs here are setting up manufacturing plants to produce illicit cigarettes.

Figures show that loose tobacco accounted for a greater share of all illicit cigarettes seized in 2013 compared to 2012.

Revenue figures show that 4,453kg of loose tobacco was confiscated at ports and airports in 2013, along with 41m cigarettes. This compares to 5,277kgs of tobacco in 2012 and 96m cigarettes.