Revenue Seize €688,200 Worth of Contraband in Week-Long Operations Across Multiple Counties

Revenue officers have intercepted a significant haul of illegal goods worth €688,200 during intelligence-led operations across Dublin, the Midlands, Kilkenny, Waterford and Rosslare Europort over the past week.

The seizures, which began on 16th June 2025, demonstrate the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and shadow economy activity affecting communities nationwide, including neighbouring counties to Cork.

The most substantial find involved 17.79kg of herbal cannabis valued at almost €356,000, discovered with assistance from detector dogs Enzo and Ciara whilst officers examined parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. These packages had originated from the USA, Belgium, Spain and Canada, destined for addresses across Ireland.

Alcohol and Tobacco Seizures

Officers also confiscated nearly 20,000 litres of alcohol, consisting of beer and spirits, with an estimated value of €80,000. This represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €37,500. Additionally, 25,180 cigarettes worth over €22,700 were seized, representing almost €18,000 in lost revenue.

Drug Haul Details

Beyond the cannabis, Revenue officers seized 3.8kg of butane honey oil valued at €76,000, over 440g of MDMA worth more than €26,500, and various other illicit substances valued at over €10,000. These additional drugs included cannabis oil, cannabis resin, edibles, reefers, and prescription medications including Alprazolam, Diazepam, Zolpidem and Zopiclone, as well as nitrous oxide.

Counterfeit Goods and Weapons

The operations also uncovered 467 counterfeit items with an estimated value exceeding €117,000. The fake goods bore the branding of major fashion and sports labels including Adidas, Nike, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, Canada Goose, and many others. Rights holders have confirmed these items infringed on intellectual property rights.

Three weapons were also seized during operations in the Midlands, consisting of a slingshot, a dagger stick and a rifle.

Ongoing Investigations

All seizures were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations. Investigations into all seizures remain ongoing, with no further information available at this time.

Revenue continues its operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity that undermines legitimate businesses and communities. Members of the public with information regarding smuggling can contact Revenue confidentially on 1800 295 295.