200,000 cigarrettes seized from Maltese ship

A Maltese ship was placed under arrest by customs officers today after 200,000 contraband cigarettes were discovered on board.

The revenue customs cutter, Suirbheir, had placed the Maltese registered vessel under surveillance as it travelled to New Ross port from Kalingrad in Russia.

A revenue spokesman said: “The ship was placed under surveillance for a number of days.”

Customs officers were awaiting its arrival in New Ross port in Co Wexford following a tip-off and uncovered the contraband on board the vessel during a search.

Over 200,000 L&M brand cigarettes worth around €65,000 were seized – with a potential loss of €61,000 in revenue to the exchequer.

Revenue’s customs service in New Ross said enquiries were continuing.