A MAN has been questioned after more than 49,000 cigarettes worth an estimated retail value of €35,000 were found at premises in Donegal.

Following a search of a pemises in Ballybofey, and with the assistance of a detector dog ‘Bill’, Revenue officers seized over 49,000 cigarettes. The unstamped cigarettes, branded ‘Rothmans’ and ‘NZ’ have an estimated retail value of more than €35,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €27,700.

Gardaí say a Lithuanian man in his 40s was questioned in relation to the seizure in Ballybofey.

The operation was one of a number across the country over the last week in which Revenue seized over 233,500 cigarettes, more than 8.9kgs of illegal drugs, cash in both Euro and Sterling and 440 litres of beer. Some of these seizures were made as a result of intelligence led operations while others were made as a result of routine profiling.

The seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and smuggling. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.