According to recent figures produced by MS Intelligence, in comparison to previous years, in 2012, the illegal consumption of cigarette in Ireland has rose by almost 33%.

It was after calculating the total number of non Irish duty paid (NIDP) cigarettes that helped the agency conclude this raise. In 2012, almost 28.2% more cigarettes were consumed in Ireland and with this, it has been marked as the second biggest tobacco supplier in the country.

To carry out this study, team collected empty packs from 22 towns and cities across the country. And then, the total number was compared to that of in 2011. The NIDP was measured at 24.5% in Ireland.

As said by a spokesperson for the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee, "Ireland could be described as a haven for international crime syndicates who can operate here within the illegal tobacco market on the premise it is low risk, with paltry fines, and high reward, with gangs making over _3 million a week in Ireland".

It is a matter of big concern that if the Government does not take a strict action against this NIDP raise, then very soon, hundreds of millions criminals would be found surviving in the Irish economy and its retail sector.