Man arrested in Cork city following tobacco seizure

Tobacco and two vehicles have been seized in two operations in Cork targeting tobacco smuggling.

In Cork city, Customs seized a commercial vehicle in a car park on Kinsale Road and also seized 2.5kgs of Amber Leaf roll your own tobacco.

One Irish man was arrested and questioned, and a file will now be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It follows an operation in Fermoy last week in which Customs and gardaí, assisted by Revenue dog Harvey, seized 2kgs of Marlboro Light roll your own tobacco, four litres of spirits and a car. A follow-up search was conducted at a house in Cork city where a further 3,360 cigarettes, branded L&M, were seized.

A Lithuanian man was questioned about the haul and released. A file is now being prepared for the DPP.

A Revenue spokeswoman said the total value of the tobacco products seized was €4,200 with a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €3,300.

She added: "Revenue enforcement operations target the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol products. The majority of people pay the right amount of tax and duty. If you know someone is evading tax or involved in smuggling, report it. Contact Revenue's Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295."