The Largest Cigarette Seizure in Europe

Source from:  TheJournal.ie  06/25/2014

Revenue seized over €32 million worth of cigarettes in Drogheda Port this morning.

This is the largest seizure in Europe so far this year.

The cigarettes were seized along with 4,500 kgs of water pipe tobacco with a total retail value of approximately €14 million.

The operation targeted the criminal activities of an international organised crime group headed up by Irish and UK nationals and based in Europe.

The cargo vessel transporting the cigarettes and tobacco, the MV Shingle, which was loaded in Slovenia and arrived into Drogheda Port via Lisbon – was also seized.

Follow up search of premises are underway and investigations are continuing both nationally and internationally.

Speaking about the seizure Revenue Commissioner Liam Irwin said:

This seizure is significant in the fight against those engaged in the illicit cigarette and tobacco market.
"It is the culmination of months of dedicated work and international cooperation involving Revenue authorities and law enforcement agencies across several jurisdictions, including Slovenia, Portugal and Ireland.

The illicit cigarette market represents a very serious fraud on the Exchequer as well as undermining health policy and funding organised crime and today's seizure represents a major blow to those involved in this criminal activity. Enditem