Revenue seize 3 million cigarettes in Rosslare Europort

Today (15/02/2021), as a result of routine profiling, Revenue Officers at Rosslare Europort seized approximately 3 million cigarettes. The cigarettes, branded ‘L&M’, have a retail value of almost €2.1 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €1.6 million.

The illegal cigarettes were discovered when a Polish registered articulated lorry and its accompanying trailer was stopped by Revenue officers having disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France. The subsequent search, with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, led to the discovery of the cigarettes concealed within the load.

A Polish national in his 30s was questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal cigarettes. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

[Ends 15/02/2021]