Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
173. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide data for 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026 inclusive outlining the number of cigarette and tobacco seizures carried out by the Revenue Commissioners; to provide a breakdown on the location of each seizure, by county; to provide the value of each seizure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54234/26]
View answerI am advised that Revenue is committed to targeting the illicit tobacco trade and implements a range of measures to identify and target the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco, and where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue keeps its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including a suite of x-ray scanners, electronic risk analysis tools and maritime cutters, under continuous review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue advises me that during the period 1 January 26 to 30 June 2026, there has been 3,209 seizures with Revenue seizing 83.3m cigarettes, valued at €78.9m, and 1,029kg of tobacco, valued at €0.9m.
I am advised by Revenue that seizures are not recorded by reference to the county in which they are seized. However, the table below provides a breakdown of the quantity and value of cigarettes and tobacco seized by Revenue’s Frontier Management Branches (enforcement teams) from 1 January to 30 June 2026.
I am satisfied that Revenue is very alert to the threat that the illicit tobacco trade poses to health, legitimate business and the Exchequer and I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.
|
01.01.2026 - 30.06.2026 |
|
Cigarettes |
|
|
Tobacco |
|
Frontier Management Branch |
Quantity (units) |
|
Value (€) |
Quantity (Kgs) |
Value (€) |
|
Dublin (Dublin city and county including Dublin Port, Dublin Airport, Dublin Mail Centres/Parcel Hubs) |
71,033,515 |
|
67,319,527 |
720.16 |
671,754 |
|
East West Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath, Wicklow) |
2,545,965 |
|
2,412,849 |
98.87 |
92,245 |
|
South East Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford) |
9,203,980 |
|
8,722,749 |
38.88 |
36,275 |
|
South Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick) |
542,405 |
|
514,045 |
171.98 |
160,456 |
|
Total |
83,325,865 |
|
78,969,170 |
1,029.89 |
960,730 |
