Revenue seize illicit cigarettes worth €900k in Newcastle search operation
Revenue officers seized 1.5 million illicit cigarettes worth almost €900,000 following a search at a business premises in Newcastle on Thursday, May 20.
The seizure was made following an intelligence-led joint operation by Revenue’s Customs Service and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) under the auspices of the Cross Border Joint Agency Taskforce.
The illicit cigarette seizure in Newcastle (Pic: Revenue)
According to a statement released by Revenue: “[On May 20] Revenue officers seized 1.5 million illicit cigarettes following a search, under warrant, at a business premises in Newcastle, Co Dublin.
“The seized cigarettes, which had been imported into Ireland from Germany, were branded ‘L&M’ and have a retail value of almost €900,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €720,000.
“A number of individuals were questioned, and investigations are ongoing.
“This seizure was part of Revenue’s ongoing joint investigations targeting the smuggling and distribution of illicit cigarettes.”
Revenue has asked businesses or members of the public with information regarding smuggling to contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
