Drug and tobacco smuggling

Customs drugs law enforcement

Revenue officers have the primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs being smuggled into or out of Ireland. They are based at strategic points of entry to the State and report to their managers. These managers in turn report to and receive drug related intelligence from Investigations and Prosecutions Division.

All strategic management functions relating to drugs issues are based in Investigations and Prosecutions Division.

These functions include:

• gathering of national and international intelligence and the dissemination of this intelligence as necessary
• management of the customs and Garda liaison functions
• participation in the National Inter-Agency Drugs Joint Task Force
• analysis of national and international drug smuggling trends
• research, planning and organisation of both national and international operations targeting drug smuggling and related issues
• liaison with other national and international enforcement agencies and Government bodies
• organisation and participation of operations at both national and international level, including joint inter-agency operations
• management of our Customs Drugs Watch Programme
• management of our Drug Precursor Programme.

Drug related cash detained by Revenue

Most drug-related cash seizures occur when attempts are made to export money from the State. Seizures are also made at import and within the country. Cash seizures continue to have a major impact on the activities of both national and international drug traffickers. Seized cash is transferred to the Exchequer for the benefit of the State.

Next: National Drugs Strategy