Huge cache of illegal cigarettes sent to Ireland from Bulgaria seized by Revenue

A huge cache of illegal cigarettes sent to Ireland from Bulgaria has been seized by Revenue. 

The seizure is part of a number of Revenue operations nationwide which led to the discovery of approximately 820,000 cigarettes worth over €667,000 at premises in three counties. 

Yesterday (March 21), as a result of risk profiling, Revenue officers from Dublin Airport seized 733,680 cigarettes following the search of a commercial premises in Co Dublin.

The illicit cigarettes were discovered in a consignment of mixed general cargo which had originated in Bulgaria and have an estimated retail value of €599,500, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €441,800.

On Wednesday (March 20), as a result of an intelligence-led operation and with the assistance of detector dog Toby, Revenue officers seized 36,060 cigarettes during the search of a premises in Co. Louth. 

The illicit cigarettes, of various brands, have a combined retail value of €25,000 and represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €19,800.

A vehicle and €11,400 in cash were also recovered during the course of this operation, and Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge John Brennan at Dundalk District Court.

Additionally, as part of a separate intelligence-led operation also carried out on Wednesday (March 20) with the support of An Garda Síochána, Revenue officers seized 50,420 cigarettes and 1.1 kgs of tobacco during the search of a premises in Co. Offaly. 

The illicit cigarettes, of various brands, and tobacco have a combined retail value of over €43,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €33,900.

A vehicle and €4,000 in cash were also recovered during the course of this operation, and Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court.

It is suspected that the cash seized in both operations in Co Offaly and Co Louth is the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity, and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.

Investigations into all of these seizures are ongoing.

The seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products.

If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.