Revenue seizes 1,700 litres of illicit alcohol
On Wednesday, 9 June 2026, as part of an intelligence-led operation and with the assistance of detector dogs Milo and Kobe, Revenue officers seized over 3.8 million cigarettes following a search under warrant of a business premises in Dublin.
Detector dog Milo and Revenue’s mobile X-ray scanner
The seized cigarettes of various brands, including ‘Kent’ and ‘Marlboro’, have an estimated value of over €3.6 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €2.8 million. A man in his 70s was questioned in relation to the seizure.
Earlier this month, Revenue also seized tobacco products, with an estimated value of €21,400 in other operations, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €15,000.
Collectively over the 14 days, commencing 25 May 2026, Revenue officers seized contraband with an estimated value of over €306,000 in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands and Rosslare Europort.
The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations, and also included the following:
- 4.5 kg of herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of over €92,500.
- 1.9 kg of mitragynine, with an estimated value of over €38,600.
- 1.5 kg of butane honey oil, with an estimated value of over €31,000.
- Various illicit drugs, with an estimated value of over €42,500.
- Over 1,700 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of over €18,600, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €10,000.
- Tobacco products, with an estimated value of €21,400,
- 195 counterfeit items with an estimated value of €62,000.
The herbal cannabis and illicit drugs seizures were made as a result of risk profiling with the assistance of detector dog 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.
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.
