Revenue Seizes Over €1 Million in Contraband Across Ireland

UPDATE: Revenue officers have seized more than €1,027,690 worth of contraband in a major crackdown across Ireland, including operations in Dublin, the Midlands, Wicklow, Monaghan, and Rosslare Europort. The operations, which occurred last week, were driven by risk profiling and intelligence-led tactics, highlighting a significant effort to combat smuggling.

Among the contraband, officers confiscated over 560,000 cigarettes and 75 kg of tobacco in Wicklow, valued at approximately €605,000. This seizure represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of around €460,000. A man in his 40s has been questioned in connection with this haul, and investigations are ongoing.

In Monaghan, authorities seized an additional 270,000 cigarettes, also discovered in a residential search. This operation was supported by detector dog Toby, with the illicit cigarettes bearing brands such as Oris, Marlboro, and Lucky Strike, collectively valued at over €256,000, resulting in a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €201,000. Both a man and a woman were questioned regarding this seizure.

The crackdown also included significant finds of herbal cannabis and other illicit drugs. These parcels, originating from the USA, UK, Australia, Thailand, Brazil, and Canada, were intended for various addresses throughout the country. Detector dog Daithi assisted in these operations, showcasing the importance of trained animals in detecting illegal substances.

Additionally, counterfeit goods were seized for violating Intellectual Property Rights, alongside four weapons. All investigations related to these seizures are ongoing, marking a crucial moment in Revenue’s sustained fight against smuggling and shadow economy activities.

Authorities are urging the public to report any information regarding smuggling activities. Tips can be submitted confidentially to Revenue at 1800 295 295.

This latest operation underscores Ireland’s commitment to combating illicit trade, which poses significant risks to public health and safety. The substantial value of these seizures demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in tackling smuggling and its impact on the economy. Stay tuned for further updates as investigations proceed.