April 27, 2023

Nearly one third of Irish smokers don’t pay Irish duty

Rates of illegal cigarettes in 2022 jumped by 43% compared to the previous year, costing the Exchequer a record €384 million in 2022 Retailers Against Smuggling […]
March 21, 2023

Retailers concerned over increasing number of contraband seizures 

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) today welcome the announcement of new tobacco seizures in County Cork and Louth, however, note concern over the increasing number of contraband seizures […]
February 24, 2023

Seizures of over 6,000kgs of tobacco at Dublin Port welcomed by Irish retailers

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) welcomes the announcement (23.02.23) by Revenue of the major seizure at Dublin Port of approximately 6,000kgs of tobacco and 2,400 cigarettes on […]
February 21, 2023

Ending reductions in excise duty will increase black market activity 

Inflationary pressures will drive people to seek cheaper, illegal alternatives  Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) has today expressed grave concern that the phasing out of the reduced […]
November 30, 2022

Seizure of 10 million cigarettes at Rosslare Europort welcomed by Irish retailers

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) welcomes yesterday’s major seizure of 10 million cigarettes at Rosslare Europort. The seizure had an estimated retail value of €7.9 million, representing […]
October 27, 2022
Surge in tobacco seizures

Surge in tobacco seizures points to booming illicit trade as retailers face uncertain winter

Retailers encouraged to report suspicious trade of illicit cigarettes and tobacco to Revenue A significant spike in cigarette and tobacco seizures by Revenue in October signals […]
September 27, 2022
Budget 2023

Retailers concern over tobacco excise increase ignored in Budget 2023

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) has expressed frustration over an excise increase on tobacco which is set to drive further black-market activity as consumers grapple with the soaring cost-of-living.
September 15, 2022
Retailers Against Smuggling Pre-Budget Submission 2023 - Cost-of-living

Retailers warn cost-of-living crisis is not the right time for further excise increases

Widening the gap between price of duty paid tobacco vs what’s available on the black market coupled with cost-of-living is creating unfair competition and financial loss […]
August 31, 2022

Retailers’ welcome seizure of illicit cigarettes and tobacco valued at €5.5million

RAS has welcomed the Revenue seizure of illicit tobacco and cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €5.5 million at Dublin Port.