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28/10/2009
€50M Cigarettes Haul Intercepted
Two men from Co Armagh were among nine people arrested in Co Louth yesterday when a shipment of illegal cigarettes was recovered.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
(DW/BMcC)
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
(DW/BMcC)
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26 February 2019
Almost 30,000 Cigarettes Seized By PSNI In INLA Crackdown
Police investigating the activities of the INLA (Irish National Liberation Army) have seized a significant amount of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in L'Derry. Searches of seven shops in the city uncovered almost 30,000 cigarettes and 20 kilograms of tobacco, along with other counterfeit goods and mobile phones.
Almost 30,000 Cigarettes Seized By PSNI In INLA Crackdown
Police investigating the activities of the INLA (Irish National Liberation Army) have seized a significant amount of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in L'Derry. Searches of seven shops in the city uncovered almost 30,000 cigarettes and 20 kilograms of tobacco, along with other counterfeit goods and mobile phones.
20 June 2019
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
15 March 2002
Customs seize illegal cigarettes at Larne port
Customs officers have seized nearly three million duty free cigarettes concealed in a consignment of Bulgarian matches arriving at the Port of Larne via Liverpool.
Customs seize illegal cigarettes at Larne port
Customs officers have seized nearly three million duty free cigarettes concealed in a consignment of Bulgarian matches arriving at the Port of Larne via Liverpool.
09 November 2001
Customs seize record consignment of illegal cigarettes
Customs and Excise officers in Northern Ireland have intercepted what is the largest ever consignment of smuggled cigarettes in the UK following the detainment of a ship at Warrenpoint.
Customs seize record consignment of illegal cigarettes
Customs and Excise officers in Northern Ireland have intercepted what is the largest ever consignment of smuggled cigarettes in the UK following the detainment of a ship at Warrenpoint.
30 January 2019
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
