Revenue Seizes Over €155K in Drugs, Weapons, and Counterfeits

UPDATE: Revenue officials have launched a series of urgent operations across Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort, seizing contraband valued at over €155,000. These operations, conducted last week, uncovered significant amounts of drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods destined for locations nationwide.

In a targeted effort fueled by intelligence and risk profiling, officers confiscated an alarming 4.6 kilograms of herbal cannabis, worth an estimated €92,000. Additionally, they seized over 10.8 grams of cocaine, valued at around €755, alongside various other illicit drugs totaling more than €1,675. The seizures were enhanced with the help of detector dogs Ciara and Sam, highlighting the effectiveness of these operations.

Parcels originating from the USA, UK, France, Spain, and India were intercepted, containing a mix of cannabis resin, tablets like Zopiclone and Diazepam, edibles, and cannabinoid vapes. Furthermore, Revenue recovered tobacco products valued at over €2,550, which could represent a potential loss to the exchequer of over €1,910. They also confiscated over 654.25 liters of alcohol, worth more than €8,930, indicating a potential loss of €4,885 to the state.

The operation also revealed a concerning cache of 31 weapons, including hand/rocket flares and various airsoft firearms, with an estimated value of nearly €2,225. In addition, officers seized 173 counterfeit items valued at almost €48,245, with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Chanel among the counterfeits.

A Revenue spokesperson confirmed that investigations into these seizures are ongoing, stating,

“These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.”

They urged the public to report any information regarding smuggling activities confidentially at 1800 295 295.

As these operations continue, the impact on local communities and businesses is significant, emphasizing the need for vigilance and public cooperation. Stay tuned for more updates as investigations progress and further actions are taken against illicit activities.