Counterfeit vodka worth half a million found in Ireland

Revenue officers have seized more than 4,000 litres of ‘vodka-type’ spirit in County Louth, Ireland, estimated to be worth €460,000 (US$550k).

More than 4,000 litres of ‘vodka-type’ spirit has been discovered in Ireland

Assisted by the Garda Armed Support Unit from Dundalk, the officers searched a premises and farm buildings on Wednesday evening (29 November), where a large-scale plant was discovered.

Revenue found finished ‘vodka’ type product that was bottled, sealed, labelled and boxed, along with 4,000 litres of the raw alcohol product, which would produce in the region of 12,000 litres of ‘vodka’ type spirits.

Revenue seized all the production line apparatus, mixing tank, and containers, along with packaging, bottle caps and labels, which were all counterfeit.

A forklift truck, and cash amounts of €5,000 and £1,000 were also seized.

The potential retail value of the alcohol is estimated at €460,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €300,000.

According to Revenue, a man was interviewed and investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecution.

Revenue said in a release: “Revenue would like to remind anyone tempted to buy cheap alcohol, tobacco or consumer goods from an irregular source of supply that there is a high possibility that they are buying counterfeit goods.

“Publicans and consumers should only purchase alcohol from reputable sources of supply.

Revenue also highlighted that the most frequently counterfeited alcohol is vodka, which can contain high levels of methanol that can cause breathing problems, liver damage or blindness.

Anyone with information about the illicit alcohol is asked to contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.