Revenue seize contraband worth over €110,000 in Dublin and Clare

Two men have appeared in court in connection with two separate seizures in Dublin Airport and Dublin Port in recent days.

One man appeared in court yesterday (16/01/2024), in relation to the seizure of 10,000 cigarettes in Dublin Airport on Sunday (14/01/2024). Revenue officers seized the cigarettes, as a result of risk profiling, after they stopped and searched the luggage of a passenger who had arrived from Poland. The cigarettes, branded ‘Winston’, have a retail value of approximately €8,170, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €6,000.

The second man appeared in court on Saturday (13/01/2024) in relation to the seizure of 10,000 cigarettes and 3kgs of untaxed tobacco in Dublin Port on Friday (12/01/2024). Revenue officers seized the contraband, as a result of risk profiling, after they stopped and searched the cab of a truck which had entered the State from the UK. The cigarettes branded ‘Lambert & Butler’ and  ‘Mayfair’, and the tobacco, branded ‘Amber Leaf’, have a combined  estimated retail value of over €10,800, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €8,400.

Additionally, last Friday (12/01/2024), as a result of risk profiling, Revenue officers in Shannon seized 3kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €60,000. The illicit drugs were discovered in parcels originating from the USA and were destined for addresses in Counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary.

Finally, last Thursday (11/01/2024), Revenue officers were granted three 3-month cash detention orders at Dublin’s Criminal Courts of Justice. This follows the seizures on Wednesday (10/01/2024), of cash totalling approximately €31,150 at Dublin Airport. It is suspected that the cash is the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation. Investigations in respect of all seizures are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295. 

[ENDS 15/01/2024]