Tobacco disguised as tea seized in Dublin

Revenue seize the load valued at €102,000 in operation against smuggling gang

Roll-your-own tobacco disguised as tea and valued at some €102,000 was seized by Revenue Customs officers. Photograph: Revenue
Roll-your-own tobacco disguised as tea and valued at some €102,000 was seized by Revenue Customs officers. Photograph: Revenue

Roll-your-own tobacco disguised as tea and valued at some €102,000 was seized by Revenue Customs officers yesterday.

The quarter tonne of tobacco was concealed in bags marked as tea from China. The illegal load was discovered when officers from Dublin Airport intercepted a van in north Dublin city. The seizure was part of an operation against a Dublin-based smuggling and distribution gang.

Officers questioned one person in relation to the find and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosections. The load represented a loss of €72,000 to the exchequer.

The quarter tonne of tobacco was concealed in bags marked as tea from China. Photograph: Revenue
The quarter tonne of tobacco was concealed in bags marked as tea from China. Photograph: Revenue

Anyone with information on the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes or tobacco is asked to contact Revenue on 1800 295 295.

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery is Deputy Head of Audience at The Irish Times