Tobacco Smuggling in Ireland Increases

A new report shows that the average citizen is not aware of the impact illegal cigarettes is having on the economy.

July 24, 2013

DUBLIN– Ireland ranks third in tobacco smuggling among European countries, the Irish Times reports. Between 13% and 29% of all tobacco products are illegal, a new report finds. 

The report also discovered that the “man on the street” who purchases smuggled cigarettes has no understanding of what that really means, said Damien English, who chairs the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the government.

The “Factbook on the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Product (ITTP)” pointed to high prices for cigarettes, laughable penalties for smugglers and available suppliers as to why the contraband cigarette trade in Ireland is flourishing. Illegal cigarette sales costs Ireland between €200 million and €250 million each year. 

Smuggled tobacco also has had a detrimental impact on retailers. Tobacco smuggling is a “multi-million euro, global criminal and paramilitary run racket which is making huge profits for those behind it,” said English. 

In September, the Oireachtas committee will give a report on tobacco smuggling. However, English has already contacted Michael Noonan, the minister for finance, on how the country should tackle contraband tobacco in the upcoming budget.

Among English’s recommendations are to give more money to the Revenue Commissioners to go after smugglers and to perhaps ask for funds from retailers and tobacco companies to pay for additional scanners at airports and ports. Ireland is moving forward with plans to mandate plain packaging for cigarettes. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement