17 hours ago
Driver held after €1.7m tobacco haul at Dublin Port
Alin Marian Mihai, 32, was stopped following a Revenue inspection of a vehicle on June 26 at the New Custom House, Dublin Port, Promenade Rd, Co Dublin
A ROMANIAN truck driver was arrested after arriving at Dublin Port with almost €2m worth of untaxed tobacco, a court has heard.
Alin Marian Mihai, 32, was stopped following a Revenue inspection of a vehicle on June 26 at the New Custom House, Dublin Port, Promenade Rd, Co Dublin.
He was charged with evading duty of excise on 2,000kgs of tobacco with intent to defraud either directly or indirectly the State of such duty contrary to Section 119 of the Finance Act.
Dublin Port
News in 90 Seconds - June 27th
He appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday, where Judge Gerard Jones heard the estimated value of the goods concerned was €1,768,342.
It was alleged that they were found in the back of a trailer after travelling by ferry from Cherbourg, France.
He also noted there were objections to bail.
The accused, who has yet to enter a plea, did not address the court. He listened to the proceedings and consulted with defence solicitor Caroline Egan with the aid of a translator.
Following a recess, Ms Egan indicated her client was reserving his bail application at this stage. Judge Jones remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday.
Legal aid was granted.
Directions from the DPP must be obtained on whether he will be tried in the District Court or the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.
