Last Friday, as part of a intelligence-led operation, Revenue officers seized approximately 26,000 cigarettes during a search, under warrant, of an apartment in Portlaoise.
The cigarettes, branded ‘Marlboro’, ‘West’, ‘L&M’, ’Pall Mall’, ‘Winston’, ‘LD’, ‘Chesterfield’ and ‘NZ’, have an estimated retail value of €16,500,
This would represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €13,000.
The seizure was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service and An Garda Siochána.
A man in his 50s was questioned and investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecution.
This seizure was part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy.
This includes the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.
