The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland have complained to the Garda about the resumption of illegal cigarette sales on Moore Street, Dublin.
The group's chairman, Prof Luke Clancy, said yesterday the resumption was of concern because the cigarettes were sold at cut-price which meant they were more accessible to children and adults. Furthermore, the State got no revenue from their sale. "We want gardaí to go back in there as they did before. They have taken their eye off the ball," he claimed.
ASH is concerned that the proliferation of illegal sales could also distort reported smoking levels. So far this year customs have seized 27 million cigarettes destined for illegal sale. As with any illegal activity, detection would normally represent a fraction of the overall problem, Prof Clancy said.
The Garda press office said there was an problem with illegal tobacco sales on Moore Street and arrests were made regularly.