Revenue Seizes €2.76 Million Worth of Contraband in Major Louth and Nationwide Operations
Ardee News and Sport – Revenue Seizes €2.76 Million Worth of Contraband in Major Louth and Nationwide Operations
Revenue officers have carried out a significant seizure of illicit goods across multiple locations, including County Louth, Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort, with an estimated combined value of €2.76 million. The large-scale operation, which was intelligence-led and based on risk profiling, resulted in the confiscation of illegal tobacco, drugs, counterfeit goods, alcohol, and weapons.
Louth Seizure: 2.2 Million Illicit Cigarettes Found
Among the most significant discoveries was the seizure of 2.2 million contraband cigarettes in County Louth. Revenue officers, assisted by An Garda Síochána and detector dog Toby, intercepted a commercial vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled tobacco products. The illicit cigarettes, bearing the brand names ‘Lambert and Butler’ and ‘Richmond,’ had an estimated value of over €1.9 million, representing a potential loss of €1.5 million to the Exchequer. A man in his 40s has been questioned, and investigations are ongoing.
Wider Operations Uncover Drugs, Counterfeit Goods, and Alcohol
As part of the coordinated effort, Revenue officers, with the assistance of detector dogs Sam, Grace, Ciara, and Enzo, discovered and seized:
- 33kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €666,600.
- 55kg of cannabis-infused edibles valued at over €55,800.
- Various other illicit drugs worth approximately €5,300.
- 372 counterfeit items confirmed by Rights Holders as infringing on Intellectual Property Rights, with an estimated value of €77,000.
- Nearly 600 litres of alcohol, valued at over €6,400, representing a potential tax loss of €3,500.
- Additional tobacco products worth over €8,000, potentially costing the Exchequer €6,600 in lost revenue.
- A car and trailer valued at €41,000 and six weapons.
The herbal cannabis and edible products were intercepted at postal and courier premises in Dublin and the Midlands, originating from countries including Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and France. The counterfeit goods were seized after verification that they violated Intellectual Property Rights.
Revenue Continued Crackdown on Smuggling
These latest seizures highlight Revenue’s ongoing commitment to tackling smuggling and shadow economy activities. A Revenue spokesperson emphasized that such illegal activities deprive the State of significant tax revenue while funding criminal enterprises.
Revenue has urged businesses and the public to report any suspicions of smuggling activity confidentially by calling 1800 295 295.
Investigations into all seizures remain ongoing.
