Massive Increase In Smuggled Cigarettes
(10/01/07)

Figures released by Irish Custom Authorities show a massive increase in the amount of tobacco and cigarettes now being smuggled into Ireland. Figures for 2006 revealed that Irish Custom officers seized over 50 million cigarettes at Irish sea and airports during the year. Officials estimate that there has been a 240% increase in the amount of cigarettes smuggled into Ireland in the past two years.

During 2006 Irish Custom Officials seized smuggled cigarettes which would have resulted in a loss of €15 million to the Irish Exchequer. Custom Officers are now making almost 1,300 seizures a month in Ireland. These are primarily made up of seizures during spot checks on arrivals at sea and airports. The true loss to the Irish exchequer from smuggled cigarettes is incalculable as the amount seized by custom officers is a mere fraction of the total amount smuggled.

Ireland has one of the highest prices for cigarettes in Europe making it highly profitable for those smuggling cigarettes purchased legally and illegally from other European States. Custom officials say there has been a huge increase in what they term as "Ant Smuggling" This involves many individuals making frequent trips to countries such as the Baltic States and bringing cigarettes back in personal luggage for resale in Ireland.

Recently the Irish Government imposed a 50c increase on the price of twenty cigarettes and is about to ban the sale of 10 packs. With a pack of twenty now costing over €7 in Ireland it makes a very attractive proposition for enterprising individuals to take cheap flights to Europe, legally purchase the same cigarettes sometimes for as little as €1 and bring them back to Ireland for resale.

Custom officials also saw an increase in seizures of larger consignments organised by subversive and criminal gangs who have a long established record of cigarette smuggling in Ireland. All the evidence suggests they are now more active than ever in this area networking with their counterparts in Europe and further a field.