Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps the gardaí are taking to deal with the continuing problem of the sale and distribution of smuggled cigarettes, particularly in view of suggestions of the involvement of criminal gangs in this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19586/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I should start by reminding the Deputy that law enforcement in relation to smuggled cigarettes is primarily a matter for the Customs authorities of the Revenue Commissioners as most offences committed are contrary to the Finance Acts. Revenue's strategy for tackling this illicit trade is focussed both on intercepting and seizing illicit consignments at the point of importation and also on carrying out checks at retail outlets, markets and commercial premises. The approach taken to tackle the problem at the point of importation involves a combination of cargo and passenger risk profiling by specialist staff, intelligence gathering, sharing of information with other Customs Services and where appropriate using x-ray scanning technology to detect contraband in maritime and air transport.

The fight against the illicit tobacco trade involves close co-operation between the Customs Service and An Garda Síochána. For major cigarette seizure operations Revenue's Customs Service regularly calls on An Garda Síochána for assistance and backup. Where feasible, large consignments are placed under surveillance and allowed to proceed to their destination under a controlled delivery with a view to identifying those responsible for the importation. These controlled delivery operations are normally carried out on a multi-agency basis with Garda assistance.

The multi-agency Operation Samhna, which resulted in the seizure of an estimated 120 million cigarettes at Greenore on 27 October 2009, is a prime example of the fruits of a multi-agency cooperation in the fight against organised crime. The Revenue Commissioners have assured me that the multi-agency approach is now standard practice in all large-scale fiscal smuggling operations and that, in this particular operation, the high level of co-operation contributed directly to the success achieved.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing criminal legislation in collaboration with other relevant agencies within and outside the State. The Anti-Racketeering Unit, within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, provides expert guidance and support to Divisional and District Garda personnel tasked with the investigation of the importation and sale of illicit and counterfeit goods, including cigarettes.

The Criminal Assets Bureau, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs & Excise) and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have been involved in a number of operations targeting the large scale importation of cigarettes by organised crime gangs. These investigations have resulted in a number of actions by the Criminal Assets Bureau against individuals involved in this activity. As part of its statutory remit the Criminal Assets Bureau will continue to target the proceeds of this criminal activity.

An Garda Síochána, separately and in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners, will continue to target offenders who are found to be engaged in the sale and / or distribution of counterfeit / contraband cigarettes.

I am advised by both organisations that there is an excellent level of cooperation and sharing of information between them and that they will continue to work closely on these and other issues.