A consignment of 2 million cigarretes seized by officers from Revenue's customs service at Rosslare Harbour yesterday has an estimated retail value of €1 million with a potential loss to the exchequer of €750,000.
Officers intercepted and examined a 40-foot container which had arrived from Cherbourg. The cigarettes were concealed in a shipment labelled as 'stone'.
One man in his forties was detained.
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector welcomed the seizure. Director Torlach Denihan said: "Tobacco smuggling costs the state over €500m in lost tax revenue every year. This money could for instance be used to pay for 1300 hospital beds."
Mr Denihan said it was "disappointing" that the courts do not take a more serious view of tobacco smuggling "and tend to impose fairly small fines".
"In view of the current crisis in the public finances and the consequent tax increases and cutbacks facing the public, those convicted of tobacco smuggling should face the maximum fine permitted by law in all cases and, evidence permitting, jailed as well", added Mr Denihan.
In a separate operation yesterday, officers from Revenue's Customs Service based in Cork seized 3,000 cigarettes on the North side of Cork city following an investigation into the distribution of leaflets to private residences, advertising cheap cigarettes for sale.
Counterfeit John Player Blue cigarettes and a vehicle, estimated to be worth €8,000, were seized in the operation. One male and one female, both in their forties, were questioned.