Cigarette smuggling under investigation

TWO people have been questioned in relation to the seizure by Revenue officers of 10,000 allegedly smuggled cigarettes at a house in the Killorglin area last Tuesday evening, March 21.

Revenue officers carried out a search, under warrant, of the premises in the Killorglin area discovering 10,000 contraband cigarettes branded ‘Marlboro Red’.

Revenue informed The Kerryman the cigarettes were legitimate Marlboro, not counterfeit, and alleged they had been smuggled into the country.

The cigarettes would retail with a value of roughly €5,500 and represent a loss in duty to the Exchequer of approximately €4,400.

A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, both Polish, were questioned in relation to the seizure. The investigation continues with ‘a view to prosecution’ Revenue said.

“The search was part of an intelligence-led operation targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products,” a spokesperson for the service said.

“The threats posed to the Exchequer, to compliant businesses, and to public health by tobacco smuggling and associated illegal activity, are significant. Revenue plays a front-line role in the battle against smuggling and continues to work in cooperation with other agencies to combat the illegal trade.”