More than 65,000 unstamped cigarettes and cash have been seized by Revenue officers in Cork.

As part of an intelligence-led operation targeting the illegal sale of tobacco products, Revenue officers seized the cigarettes and €1,530 in cash when they carried out a search, under warrant, of a residential property in Cork City yesterday.

The cigarettes, branded ‘Minsk’ ‘Marlboro’ and ‘NZ’, were discovered with the assistance of detector dog Eva and had a combined retail value of over €39,000, representing a loss to the Exchequer of approximately €31,000. 

Revenue officers also seized €1,530 cash, suspecting it to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in criminal activity.

A Lithuanian man in his 30's was questioned and today at Cork District Court, Judge Patricia Harney granted Revenue officers a three-month cash detention order to allow for further investigations to be carried out.

Investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecution.

This seizure is 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 sale of illegal tobacco products, they can contact Revenue in confidence on freephone number 1800 295 295.