Over €700k Of Contraband Seized in the Midlands and Dublin
Significant blow to organised crime gangs as Revenue seize millions of illegal cigarettes and over 170,000 litres of smuggled fuel
Revenue officers have seized 2.1 million cigarettes and 172,150 litres of smuggled fuel in separate operations across the Midlands and Dublin, with a combined estimated retail value of over €700,000.
The illicit cigarettes and fuel were discovered during a series of intelligence-led operations by Revenue's Customs Service. The seizures, which were conducted between the 24th of August and the 11th of September, represent a significant blow to organised crime gangs involved in the smuggling of illegal cigarettes and fuel.
Hidden within legitimate loads
The smuggled cigarettes were discovered concealed within legitimate loads of various goods , including animal bedding and granulates. The fuel was found in a number of locations, including a commercial premises and private residences. Revenue officers also seized 100 kilograms of a white powdered substance, suspected to be cocaine, during the operations. This has been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.
Fuel smuggling costs the Exchequer
Fuel smuggling costs the Exchequer an estimated €47 million a year. Criminal gangs involved in fuel smuggling often use sophisticated methods and operate outside of normal business hours to avoid detection. They sell fuel that does not meet Irish quality standards and poses significant health and safety risks to consumers.
Buying and using illegal fuel not only undermines legitimate businesses but also costs the Exchequer significant amounts of money. Revenue is committed to combating fuel smuggling and will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána to bring those involved to justice.
Significant impact
These seizures will have a significant impact on crime gangs who are involved in the smuggling of illegal cigarettes and fuel. Revenue is committed to tackling this type of crime and making it as difficult as possible for criminals to operate in Ireland.
The ongoing smuggling of illegal cigarettes and fuel will not be tolerated. These operations are part of Revenue's ongoing work to tackle the shadow economy and protect legitimate businesses. Revenue will continue to target those involved in this activity and will use all of the resources at its disposal to disrupt their operations and bring them to justice.
Speaking at the announcement, Revenue Chairman
Speaking at the announcement, Revenue Chairman, Niall Cody said:
"These substantial seizures are a further example of the great work being done by Revenue staff to tackle the smuggling of illegal cigarettes and fuel. Smuggling deprives the Exchequer of much needed revenue and funds essential public services.
"Revenue is committed to disrupting the activities of the criminal gangs involved in this trade and will continue to use all of its resources to bring them to justice and dismantle their illegal operations.
"I would also like to remind people that smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses and puts people at risk by supplying them with illegal and potentially dangerous products," he concluded.
