Officers have nabbed a huge haul of tobacco after it sailed into Dublin Port yesterday.
Around €320,000 worth of "Virginia" tobacco was seized by Revenue Officers after they conducted an intelligence-led operation at the port.
The massive haul weighed 600kg and was hidden in a shipment that was marked as "motor parts.
A Revenue Spokesman said: "Yesterday (24/10/2019), as part of an intelligence-led operation, Revenue officers in Dublin Port seized approximately 600kgs of unstamped tobacco.
"The tobacco was discovered when officers stopped and searched two separate shipments originating from Belgium.
"The illegal tobacco branded ‘Virginia Yellow ’ and ‘Virginia English’, have a retail value of over €320,000 and represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €275,000.
"The tobacco was found concealed in shipments described as ‘motor parts’.
"Investigations are ongoing following the operation."
These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products in the shadow economy. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or illegal sale of tobacco products, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free-phone number 1800 295 295.
