Revenue Seizes Quarter Million Cigarettes in Dublin and Cork Operations

Revenue Customs officers have intercepted approximately 258,600 cigarettes worth nearly €236,000 in separate operations at Dublin Airport and in Cork City this week, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €186,000.

The larger of the two seizures took place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, at Dublin Airport following routine profiling by Revenue Officers. Approximately 200,000 Platinum 7 branded cigarettes were discovered concealed within the baggage of passengers who had disembarked a flight from Cairo.

The cigarettes had an estimated retail value of €180,440, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of €142,640. Five passengers, comprising males and females ranging in age from their late teens to their 40s, were arrested following the discovery and will appear before court.

In a separate operation targeting the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco products, Revenue Officers executed a search warrant at a residential property in Blackpool, Cork City, on Thursday, 23 October. Detector dog Rua, one of Revenue's trained sniffer dogs, assisted with the search.

Officers seized 58,600 unstamped cigarettes branded John Player Blue, Mayfair and Marlboro Gold, with a combined retail value exceeding €55,500. The seizure represents a potential loss to the exchequer of over €43,500.

A male in his 30s and a female in her 40s were questioned in connection with the Cork operation, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Both seizures form part of Revenue's continuing operations targeting organised crime groups involved in the importation, sale and supply of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products across Ireland.

Revenue has appealed to businesses and members of the public who may have information regarding smuggling activities to contact them in confidence on their dedicated phone line at 1800 295 295.

Investigations into both seizures are ongoing, and no further information is currently available.