Revenue officers have seized contraband worth approximately €911,000 following raids at a house and yards in Burnfoot.
The intelligence led search by gardaí and Revenue took place yesterday morning, with follow-up searches carried out by Revenue Customs Service today.
Over 338,000 cigarettes were seized, along with 12.4 kg of rolling tobacco, approximately €415,000 in cash, and two vehicles. During today’s follow-up searches, a further 200,000 cigarettes were seized.
The illicit cigarettes, of various brands, and tobacco, branded ´Flandria Virginia’, have an estimated retail value of over €496,000 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €392,000.
Revenue officers were granted a 3-month cash detention order in respect of the cash seized, by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at Buncrana District Court. It is suspected that the cash is the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.
The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Donegal Division of An Garda Síochána, and a number of individuals were questioned.
Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating suspected money laundering offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010.
“No arrests have been made at this time,” a spokesperson said.
A statement from Revenue said the seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in the shadow economy.
A spokesperson said: “If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes or tobacco, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.”
