Revenue Seizes Over €252,000 in Contraband Across Dublin, Kildare and Cork

Revenue officers have seized contraband worth over €252,340 in a week-long operation targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity across Dublin, Kildare and Cork.

The seizures, carried out during the week commencing 21 September 2025, included significant quantities of illicit drugs, tobacco products, counterfeit designer goods, weapons and an Audi A4 vehicle. The detections were made following intelligence-led operations and risk profiling at various locations including Rosslare, the Midlands and Dublin.

Among the largest hauls were 4.5kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of almost €88,000, seized with assistance from Revenue detector dogs Ciara and Jaspar. The parcels had originated from France, Spain, Canada and the United States, and were destined for various addresses nationwide.

Officers also seized 80,900 cigarettes with an estimated value of €73,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €57,600. These cigarettes, comprising Marlboro, Kent and Parliament brands, were seized alongside the Audi A4 during operations in Dublin, Kildare and Cork. In total, tobacco products worth over €75,000 were confiscated, with total exchequer losses from tobacco products estimated at almost €59,600.

Drug seizures included over 150g of ketamine valued at more than €9,000, and over 158g of MDMA also valued at over €9,000. Various other illicit drugs worth over €3,000 were seized, including assorted tablets containing Diazepam and Zopiclone, psychoactive substances, edibles, cannabis resin, synthetic cannabinoids, 2CB tablets, cannabinoid vapes and liquids, and THC products.

The operation also netted 144 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €64,000, confirmed by rights holders to have infringed on intellectual property rights. The fake goods included products bearing trademarks of major fashion and sportswear brands including Adidas, Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike and Versace.

Fifteen weapons were seized during the operations, including pepper spray, a self-defence ring stun device, expandable batons, telescope batons with pouches, air rifle pellets and other defence devices.

Revenue officers also confiscated 22.85 litres of alcohol, consisting of wine and spirits, with an estimated value of almost €340, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €205. Additionally, €4,000 in cash was seized.

Investigations into all seizures are ongoing. Revenue has stated these seizures form part of their continued operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

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