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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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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
