Nearly €275m of illegal cigarettes and tobacco seized by Revenue since 2012

More than a quarter of a billion euro worth of illegal cigarettes and tobacco has been seized by Revenue in the past five years, it has been revealed.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show €274,360,000 worth of the contraband products have been intercepted by tax officials between 2012 and 2016.

A Revenue Commissioners spokesman said it “remains vigilant in the face of changing patterns of smuggling activity”.

He added: “Revenue’s strategy is to target the supply of illicit tobacco products with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the illicit products and prosecuting those responsible.

“While the comparative data suggests the problem is being contained, the illegal trade in tobacco products continues to be a serious problem and combating this illegal trade continues to be a high priority.”

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/crime/nearly-275m-illegal-cigarettes-tobacco-10772249