Officers from Revenue seized 10 million cigarettes worth almost €8 million at Rosslare Europort on Tuesday in what was the largest cigarette seizure so far this year.
Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS), a lobby group representing shops, welcomed the seizure, which had an estimated retail value of €7.9 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €6.2 million.
The group said the seizure demonstrated that the illicit tobacco trade is continuing to grow in Ireland.
“This seizure shows that the cost-of-living crisis is driving demand for black market products, which retailers are being forced to compete with while facing a challenging winter of rising energy bills and soaring inflation,” it said.
Dublin author Fíona Scarlett: ‘A young woman told me to take out that I was a mother in my bio, because it demeaned me and my work’
The Swiss-based ex-banker who leads Germany’s far right: Alice Weidel plays the long game
Competitive parenting in China: ‘School starts at 7.30am and I pick him up at 9.30pm. He studies again when we arrive home’
After Storm Éowyn, Ireland must do what Sweden did 20 years ago
“RAS commends the ongoing work by Revenue officials in the fight against smuggling, particularly at our major points of entry through ports and airports.
“RAS encourages anyone with information on the sale or supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco to contact Revenue’s confidential hotline on 1800 925 925.”
