Irish Revenue Seizes Contraband Worth Over €170,000 in Smuggling Crackdown
Irish Revenue officials have recently conducted a series of operations targeting smuggling and activity within the shadow economy, resulting in the seizure of contraband valued at over €170,000. The seizures, which took place across the country and at Rosslare Europort, include significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and counterfeit goods.
Large Beer Shipment Intercepted at Rosslare Europort
On February 25th, officers intercepted a trailer arriving on a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Inside, they discovered approximately 24,500 liters of beer, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €45,700 in unpaid duties and taxes. The beer included popular brands such as Desperados, Carlsberg, Budweiser, Stella, San Miguel, and Karpackie. Revenue officials stated there is no indication that the producers of the beer were aware of the illicit shipment.
Wider Enforcement Activity Yields Significant Seizures
The Rosslare operation is part of a broader enforcement effort by Revenue. During the week commencing February 16th, separate operations across Ireland uncovered contraband worth more than €135,000. These seizures included:
- 4.7kg of herbal cannabis (estimated value over €94,000)
- 2kg of cannabis resin (valued at more than €14,000)
- 1,698 assorted tablets (estimated value exceeding €4,000)
- Other illicit drugs (valued at more than €6,000)
- Tobacco products (valued at €9,345, representing a potential tax loss of over €7,000)
- Over 84 liters of alcohol (valued at €1,485)
- 23 counterfeit items (worth more than €7,000), linked to brands like Canada Goose, Chanel, Dior, Timberland, and Ugg.
Investigations Ongoing and Public Appeal for Information
Revenue officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing into all of the seizures. They are urging businesses or members of the public with information relating to smuggling to contact their confidential reporting line. Many of the drug detections originated from parcels shipped from countries including Canada, the USA, Thailand, Spain, and France, destined for addresses across Ireland.
These operations highlight Revenue’s continued commitment to tackling financial crime and protecting the Irish economy.