Cigarettes seized at Dublin airport

Customs officers have seized approximately 1.4 million cigarettes since St Patrick's Day figures released today show.

Customs officers have seized approximately 1.4 million cigarettes since St Patrick's Day figures released today show.

According to officials the cigarettes were being smuggled into Ireland by a gang based in Latvia and most originated on flights from Riga.

The seizure included Marlboro, L&M, Chesterfields and other lesser-known brands and are valued at €483,000. The potential loss of revenue has been estimated at €378,000.

Officers also seized two vehicles which were being used to transport the cigarettes from the airport.

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Customs manager at Dublin Airport, Shay Doyle, said: "Operations are on-going and Customs will continue to target cigarette smuggling gangs from Ireland and Eastern Europe operating through the airport."

Almost 7.5 million cigarettes valued at €2.7 million, with a potential loss of revenue amounting to €2.1 million, and 350Kgs of tobacco valued at €154,200 and a potential loss of revenue amounting to €104,000 have been seized at Dublin airport since the start of the year.