Tobacco products worth over €210,000 seized in Dublin 7 and 9
Retailers speak out about impact of illicit tobacco trade on their businesses, following major haul by Revenue and Garda officers
Print4 August 2017
Revenue and Garda officers seized illegal tobacco products with a value of more than €210,000 at various locations across Dublin 7 and 9 this week.
The intelligence-led operation targeted a major Dublin supply and distribution network within the illicit tobacco trade.
In total, 230,000 cigarettes and 160 kilograms of tobacco were seized on Wednesday. Based on their retail value, this represents a potential loss of more than €168,000 to the Exchequer.
As part of their inquiries, Revenue officers interviewed a 38-year-old man from Dublin and several other people. They also seized documentation, electronic equipment, mobile phones and two vehicles. A prosecution file is to be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
As ShelfLife readers will unfortunately only be all-too-aware, the illicit trade of tobacco has a serious impact on law-abiding retailers.
Dublin 7 retailer, Benny Gilsenan, who is the Dublin and Leinster Spokesperson of Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) told ShelfLife: “RAS acknowledge the hard and dangerous work undertaken by Revenue and the operation in Dublin this week is one example of the fantastic work they do. While we welcome the seizure, it also highlights the uphill battle Revenue are facing in relation to the illicit trade.
“With Brexit looming, small retailers like myself are being directly affected by the rampant illicit trade of cigarettes, alcohol and solid fuel,” Gilsenan added. “With Budget 2018 around the corner, we call on the Government and Minister Paschal Donohoe to protect retailers by providing extra resources for Revenue and not to further increase excise on tobacco until we can halt the growth of the illicit trade.”
Gilsenan also spoke out about the impact of the illicit tobacco trade on last night’s TV3 News, which can be viewed here.
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