Gardaí to get stop-and-search powers for cigarettes

Gardaí are to be given the power to stop and search people who are suspected of carrying illicit tobacco.

Draft laws published this afternoon will grant Gardaí the right to seize any containers and search them for tobacco without a warrant.

The move is part of the Government's efforts to clamp down on the black market tobacco trade.

It is estimated that nearly 30% of all cigarettes consumed in Ireland are bought on the black market.