Millions of smuggled cigarettes seized during Revenue operation at Dublin Port
Contraband discovered in unaccompanied trailer
Investigations are underway following the discovery of more than 13.3 million cigarettes at Dublin Port.
The contraband, which was smuggled into the country, was discovered on Wednesday when Revenue officers examined an unaccompanied trailer arriving from Zeebrugge, Belgium.
According to Revenue, the illicit cigarettes have an estimated value of over €11 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €8.9 million.
"As a result of risk profiling and with the assistance of detector dog Milo, Revenue officers seized 13.3 million cigarettes at Dublin Port. The smuggled cigarettes of various brands, including ‘Marlboro Slims’, ‘Marlboro Gold’ and ‘L&M Red’, were discovered when Revenue officers examined an unaccompanied trailer arriving from Zeebrugge, Belgium," said a spokesperson.
"This seizure is part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the sale and supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in the shadow economy. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295," they added.