Revenue seize €33,600 of tobacco produce in Cavan and Louth

Revenue seized tobacco and cigarettes worth a combined total of €33,600 in a seizure in Co Cavan.

330 pouches of 'Flandria' brand tobacco were sent through the post in 11 separate cartons. They were identified by Revenue while still in the postal system, and a further 80 pouches were discovered during follow-up searches at two private residences.

The tobacco pouches were valued at €8,200 in total.

In a separate operation in Louth, Revenue officers sized 51,500 cigarettes and 9.5kg of Amber Leaf tobacco at a roadside stop.

At Drogheda market and a follow-up search at a private residence,, another 5000 cigarettes and 1kg of counterfeit tobacco were also found.

Three men, all Irish nationals, have been questioned by officials.

If the seized produce had replaced the equivalent volume of legal, properly taxed tobacco products, it would have represented a loss to the Exchequer of more than €43,000.