Yesterday as part of an intelligence led operation, Revenue officers seized 2.5 million cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €1.98 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €1.5 million, following the search, under warrant, of a commercial premises in The Ward area of County Meath.
The illicit cigarettes, branded ‘Manchester’, were discovered in a consignment declared as ‘potato chips’ that had originated in Spain.
A man in his 50s was questioned and investigations are ongoing.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential free phone number 1800 295 295.
