From: LimerickLeader.ie
By Mike Dwane
THE REVENUE Commissioners have warned of the higher health risks associated with counterfeit cigarettes following four convictions at Limerick District Court relating to the sale of illegal tobacco products.
Two men and two women, all Eastern European, were fined amounts of between €2500 and €3000 after being convicted last week of keeping illegal tobacco products for sale. They had addresses at Mulgrave Street, Gerald Griffin Street, Carr Street and Annacotty.
“The latest convictions in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco products brings the total number of convictions (nationally) to date in 2012, to 60. These convictions include the imposition of fines totalling €106,300 and 22 custodial sentences, 14 of which have been suspended,” said a spokesman for the Revenue Commissioners.
“Revenue would like to remind anyone tempted to buy cheap cigarettes from an irregular source of supply that there is a high possibility they are buying counterfeit goods, which provide an unknown set of health risks as the product is not the subject of quality control. It also takes much needed funds from the exchequer; hurts legitimate trade and is funding criminal activity.
“Businesses and the public have an important role to play here. It they have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illegal cigarettes, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the freephone number 1800 295 295.”
