€14 million tobacco seizure will damage illegal trade

Fine Gael TD and member of Oireachtas Health and Children Committee, Peter Fitzpatrick, today (Tuesday), welcomed the news that €14 million worth of tobacco has been seized by customs officers at Drogheda Port.

“This is the biggest seizure of cigarettes in Europe this year and a major blow to the illicit cigarette trade which is rampant in the border counties.

“Customs officers backed up by Gardaí boarded a ship in the early hours of this morning and recovered 32 million cigarettes and 4,000kg of water pipe tobacco worth an estimated €14 million.

“Today’s operation was the culmination of months of work by law enforcement agencies across the continent including Slovenia, Portugal and Ireland. Recognition must be given to the Gardaí and the Revenue Commission for the hard work that led to this significant seizure.

“I am aware that this is a major issue in our local area. Many small businesses are suffering due to the illegal cigarettes market. The capture of such a huge haul today will deal a significant blow to illegal traders in and around Louth.

“The Government is working to support local businesses and is determined to clamp down on illegal trade that is damaging business. Today’s seizure is a huge step in the right direction.”