Seized Jin Ling cigarettes sent for analysis in Ireland

Ireland’s gardaí has sent for analysis a number of seized Jin Ling cigarettes amid fears they may contain asbestos, according to a story by Fiona Magennis for the Drogheda Independent and Irish Independent.

About 20,000 cigarettes were seized at Drogheda market during an operation by Drogheda gardaí following a tip off. Thousands of counterfeit CDs and DVDs also were seized during the raid.

The gardaí has sent the cigarettes for analysis because batches of Jin Ling cigarettes seized previously in Great Britain were found to contain industrial chemicals and asbestos.

Speaking on LMFM radio, Benny Gilsenan, from the organization Retailers Against Smuggling, said his organization welcomed the seizure and the news that the confiscated cigarettes were being analyzed to assess what they contained.

Gilsenan said he understood the lure of cheap cigarettes for those who were compelled to smoke, but he urged consumers not to risk their health by purchasing these dangerous products.

In 2007, 258 million Jin Ling cigarettes were seized by authorities in EU countries.