Revenue Seizes Over €570,000 in Drugs, Tobacco and Counterfeit Goods in Nationwide Operations

Revenue officers have seized contraband valued at more than €570,700 in a series of operations across Dublin, the Midlands and Rosslare Europort over the past week, with investigations continuing into multiple smuggling incidents.

The detections, which took place between 27 October and 4 November 2025, were made using risk profiling and intelligence-led operations. They represent one of the more significant weeklong hauls in recent months, highlighting the scale of smuggling activity across the country.

The seizures included 24.5 kg of herbal cannabis worth almost €489,250, over 50,000 cigarettes, 425 litres of alcohol and 39 counterfeit designer items. Two weapons, a Katana sword and a butterfly knife, were also recovered during the operations.

Major Tobacco Seizure in Inchicore

One of the largest individual operations saw Revenue officers execute a search warrant at a property in Inchicore, Dublin 12, where they discovered more than 50,000 cigarettes and 5kg of tobacco hidden on the premises.

The cigarettes, including John Player and Richmond brands, had an estimated retail value of over €52,400. The seizure represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €40,000. A man in his 40s was questioned in connection with the find, and investigations are ongoing.

Drugs and Alcohol Detected

Across the various operations, Revenue officers seized 627.48g of cannabis resin valued at almost €3,770, 56 MDMA tablets worth over €1,000, and various other illicit drugs including ketamine, cocaine, LSD and cannabinoid vapes, with a combined value exceeding €5,000.

The alcohol seizures, totalling more than 425 litres of wine, beer and spirits, had an estimated value of almost €5,430 and represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €3,000.

Detector Dogs Assist in Operations

Revenue detector dogs Sam and Ciara played a key role in identifying concealed contraband during the operations. The animals are specially trained to detect drugs and tobacco products hidden in vehicles, parcels and luggage passing through Irish ports and airports.

Counterfeit Goods Seized

Officers also seized 39 counterfeit items worth an estimated €11,500, which were confirmed by the relevant rights holders to have infringed intellectual property rights. The fake goods included items purporting to be from luxury brands including Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Hugo Boss and Canada Goose.

Part of Ongoing Operations

The seizures form part of Revenue's continuing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity across Ireland. Officers use a combination of risk profiling, intelligence gathering and physical searches to intercept contraband entering or circulating within the country.

Revenue encourages businesses and members of the public with information regarding smuggling to contact them in confidence on the freephone number 1800 295 295. All reports are treated confidentially and can help prevent illegal goods from reaching communities nationwide, including across Cork and Munster.

Investigations into all seizures remain ongoing, with further arrests and prosecutions expected as enquiries continue.