REVENUE OFFICERS HAVE seized 230,000 cigarettes and 160 kilos of tobacco during a series of coordinated searches at locations in the Dublin 7 and 9 areas.
The retail value of the contraband is over €210,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €168,000.
Revenue said the operation targeted “a major Dublin supply and distribution network in the illicit tobacco trade”.
A large quantity of cash was also detained, under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Revenue also seized documentation, electronic equipment, mobile phones and two vehicles. Officers were assisted by An Garda Síochána and Revenue’s detector dog Bailey.
A 38-year-old Dublin man and a number of other individuals were interviewed. A prosecution file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Various brands were seized during the operation, including cigarettes branded L&M, Excellence, Marlboro Gold, Richman and Modeng, and tobacco branded Flandria, Amber Leaf and The Turner.
In a statement, Revenue said: “The majority of people pay the right amount of tax and duty. If you know someone is evading tax or involved in smuggling, report it. Contact Revenue’s Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295.”
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