Jump to full article: Irish Independent (ie), 2009-06-18
Author: Tom Brady Security Editor
Intro: THE average fine for handling illegal cigarettes was just €423 during the first three months of the year, new figures reveal.
The paltry size of the fine last night prompted calls to end Ireland's reputation as a cigarette smugglers' paradise.
The tobacco industry is among those who want stiffer penalties imposed on smugglers and sellers of illegal cigarettes.
Figures released by the Revenue Commissioners showed that the fines handed down by the courts to those convicted in the first three months of the year.
Convictions
A breakdown of the revenue statistics reveals that Dublin, Louth and Kerry top the list for cigarette convictions.
. . .
A spokesman for the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee said: "This evidence highlights that, with continued insufficient penalties, Ireland will remain a smugglers' paradise".
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