12 March 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
As a result of an on-going operation focusing on the illegal importation of cigarettes and tobacco, officers from Revenue’s Customs Service, yesterday seized 17kgs of tobacco with an approximate retail value of €8,200 in Cork.
Initially Revenue’s detection dog, Harvey, gave a positive reaction to a package containing 9kgs of tobacco which had originated in Poland.
As a result of this detection officers carried out a follow up search, under warrant, of a private dwelling in Fermoy. The officers, assisted by Harvey, uncovered a further 8kgs of illegal tobacco which was unmarked and loosely packaged in clear ‘zip lock’ bags.
A Polish man in his 40s was questioned.
Investigations are on-going and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes or tobacco, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.