THE true number of cigarettes imported illegally into Ireland is more than 800 million a year, it is claimed.

Revenue and gardai seized a haul of 120 million cigarettes in Greenore, Co Louth, worth an estimated €50m this week.

Yet the average penalty for trading in illegal cigarettes -- €423-- is "farcical" and should be increased, a TD said.

"The Government must send a message to the middlemen who trade illegally in tobacco by imposing hefty fines," said Fine Gael justice spokesman, Charlie Flanagan.

"If this doesn't happen, the incentive to import cigarettes illegally will remain," he said.

strategy

Ireland's criminal gangs are being sustained by a combination of cigarette and drug smuggling -- with an estimated 20pc of cigarettes bought in Ireland coming from the black market.

"The authorities impounded 134 million cigarettes last year, but estimates suggest that 826 million cigarettes go undetected annually," Mr Flanagan said.

The DPP has estimated the contraband costs the state more than €500m a year in lost revenue. "I believe a mandatory fine of €10,000 would be appropriate for this type of offence and would make many think twice before becoming part of the illegal chain of supply," he said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Cancer Society said there should be a "concerted strategy" to combat cigarette smuggling into Ireland. This should include disrupting the supply and distribution chain for illegal cigarettes, increasing the penalties for smuggling and tackling the demand side by raising public awareness.

"It has been clear for some time that Ireland has become the target of criminal gangs smuggling contraband cigarettes, some manufactured specifically for the Irish market," said Kathleen O'Meara, head of advocacy and communications at the ICS.

disease

Smoking causes 30pc of all cancers in Ireland and an estimated 6,000 people die in Ireland every year of smoking related diseases including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses, the society said.

While the average fine here is only €423, it has been €5,000 in Britain for a number of years and should be increased in Ireland, Ms O'Meara added.

mlavery@herald.ie

- Michael Lavery