Revenue seize over 31million cigarettes in just six months
THE seizure of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products has soared during lockdown.
In the first six months of this year revenue impounded over 31.2million cigarettes – more than four-and-a-half times the amount seized in the same period last year.
According to an analysis of Revenue seizures by Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS), a total of 31,202,600 cigarettes were seized between January and June, compared with 6,659,500 during the same period last year.
Benny Gilsenan, spokesman for RAS and a Dublin-based retailer, said that the issue remains a significant concern.
‘The increase in the number of cigarettes seized in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 indicates that an even greater number of cigarettes could potentially be making its way to the black market,’ he said.
‘Criminals continue to target Ireland and are adapting their methods in response to restrictions on personal travel by focusing their efforts on large consignments of smuggled products,’ he said.
Mr Gilsenan said that the sale of illegal cigarettes was ‘directly affecting livelihoods and local retail businesses across the country who are already facing enormous pressures as a result of Covid-19’.
According to Revenue’s 2019 annual report, approximately 15% of cigarette packs held by Irish smokers were classified as illegal and worth an estimated loss to the exchequer of €242 million.
Revenue also found that 12% of roll-your-own tobacco products held by Irish smokers were illegal.
RAS has called for the detection and seizure of illegal tobacco products to remain a priority for the authorities.