4,000 counterfeit vodka bottles seized

A joint intelligence-led operation between An Garda Síochána and Revenue officers has seized over 4,000 counterfeit vodka bottles, labels and false UK tax-stamps when a large-scale, illegal vodka bottle-labelling and stamping plant was uncovered in County Louth late on Monday night.

Seven vehicles were seized by Revenue officers for mineral oil tax offences and €7,000 in cash was also seized.

The discovery was made in the course of a joint agency operation focused on combating organised crime in the Louth area. Seven individuals (four Northern Ireland residents & three Republic of Ireland residents) on site were detained and questioned by An Garda Síochána but no charges have been brought.

Investigations are ongoing.

Revenue points out that anyone tempted to buy cheap alcohol from an irregular source of supply should consider that there’s a high possibility that they’re buying counterfeit goods which provide an unknown additional set of health risks.

If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illicit alcohol they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.