Retailers Against Smuggling shocked at illegal cigarette factory operating in Dublin

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) welcomes the closure by Revenue officers of an illegal cigarette factory operating in the heart of Dublin 

On Friday, February 23, Revenue officers discovered more than 1.4 tonnes of raw tobacco, all precursor components for the manufacture of cigarettes and approximately 758,000 illicit cigarettes branded “Marlboro”, which were ready for distribution. The value of the seizure is over €630,000, with a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €500,000. 

This illegal cigarette factory closure comes just days after Revenue seized 14.6 million cigarettes in Dublin, with a retail value of €12 million, and a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €9.6 million. 

Commenting RAS national spokesperson Benny Gilsenan said: “We’re barely into the new year and Revenue have already found an illegal cigarette factory operating in our capital and a mammoth seizure of cigarettes. This issue has grown year and on year and unless we see drastic action, it’ll only get worse.  

According to Revenue’s own figures, a third of the cigarettes in the country aren’t bought here, and last year was a record year for seizures with more than €66m in illegal cigarettes seized and €45m lost to Revenue. 

Retailers are bearing the greatest impact of this, especially in the context of soaring energy prices and the increasing general cost of doing business in Ireland. We encourage business owners and the public to report any suspicious activity to Revenue so that we can tackle this criminality, protect minors and support local retailers.” 

These recent events illustrate that illicit trade is continuing to grow in Ireland. RAS commends the ongoing work by Revenue in the fight against tobacco smuggling and illicit trade and encourages anyone with information on the sale or supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco to contact its confidential hotline. Free phone number 1800 295 295.