Revenue seize contraband worth over €8.2 million in various operations
Revenue officers have recently seized contraband with an estimated value of over €8.2 million in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort.
Revenue seized illicit drugs
The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations, and included the following:
- 1.6kg of herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of over €32,000,
- 2.4kg of cannabis resin, with an estimated value of over €14,300,
- 7kg of edibles, with an estimated value of over €7,000,
- Various other illicit drugs, with an estimated value of over €3,900,
- Tobacco products, with an estimated value of over €8.1 million and representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €6.4 million,
- Over 57 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of over €470.00 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €280.00 and
- 43 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €51,100.
Included in the seized tobacco products were approximately nine million cigarettes detected at Rosslare Europort.
The cigarettes, branded ‘Richmond King Size’, have a retail value of over €8 million representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €6.4 million.
The contraband was uncovered during an examination of an accompanied freight unit which had disembarked a ferry from Dunkerque, France.
The truck and trailer were also seized.
A man in his 40s was questioned in relation to the seizure.
Investigations are ongoing.
The herbal cannabis and illicit drugs seizures were made as a result of risk profiling with the assistance of detector dogs Sam and Ciara.
The parcels originated from the US, the UK, Canada and France, and were destined for various addresses nationwide.
The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights.
Four hundred and seventy weapons accessories were also seized.
Investigations into all seizures are ongoing.
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.
If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
