Revenue Seizes Over €2 Million in Contraband in Major Week-Long Operation

Revenue officers have seized contraband worth over €2 million in a series of intelligence-led operations across Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort during the week commencing 23rd June 2025.

The significant haul, valued at €2,051,630, included substantial quantities of tobacco, drugs, counterfeit goods, fake currency, and weapons as part of Revenue's ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and shadow economy activity.

The largest single seizure involved 2,000kg of tobacco branded "Flandria Virginia English" worth over €1.75 million, discovered at Dublin Port on Thursday 26th June through risk profiling. The seizure represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €1.3 million. A man was charged in connection with this seizure and has appeared before the courts.

Detector dogs Enzo and Ciara proved instrumental in uncovering 4.18kg of herbal cannabis worth over €82,000. The cannabis was found in parcels from the USA, Poland, Spain, and Canada destined for addresses nationwide whilst officers examined packages at premises in Dublin and the Midlands.

Additional seizures included various illicit tablets worth over €24,000, other illicit drugs valued at almost €7,000, fake euro notes worth €24,330, nearly 86 litres of alcohol, 1,800 cigarettes, and 424 counterfeit items worth over €161,000.

The counterfeit goods featured fake versions of luxury brands including Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Nike, Adidas, and others confirmed by rights holders to have infringed intellectual property rights.

Four weapons were also seized during operations in the Midlands, including a sword, machete, stun gun, and smoke fountain.

The alcohol products consisted of wine, beer, and spirits, whilst the cigarettes were branded L&D Red, Camel, Silk Cut Purple, and Kent Core. The various illicit drugs included cannabis oil, cocaine, edibles, prescription medications, and synthetic substances.

Investigations into all seizures remain ongoing as part of Revenue's broader strategy targeting smuggling operations.

Members of the public with information regarding smuggling activities can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.