Value of drugs seizures trebles
The Revenue’s Customs Service also trebled the number of prosecutions it took against cigarette smugglers.
The report records massive increases in reports of suspected money laundering transactions as well as seizures of counterfeit items.
“Revenue, and our Customs Service in particular, plays a vital role in protecting the country from the dangers posed by smuggling and the threat of imported drugs,” said Revenue chairman Frank Daly.
He said 2005 was marked by “conspicuous success” as a result of continued cooperation with the Gardaí and the Naval Service.
While the number of drug seizures fell in 2005, their value jumped by almost 200%, from €12.8m to €37m. This was mainly due to a substantial increase in the value of cannabis seized and a continuing rise in the value of cocaine seizures.
Some 51m cigarettes and 1.1m tonnes of tobacco were confiscated, with a value of €20m.
Two oil laundries were detected and 20 retail outlets were found to be selling laundered oil.
In addition, 107 hauliers and other users were found using laundered oil.
The report said there was a 32% increase in the total number of prosecutions taken in relation to smuggling and unlicensed trading offences. These include:
* 151 prosecutions for tobacco smuggling, against 54 in 2004.
* 102 convictions for tobacco smuggling, compared to 49 in 2004.
* 316 prosecutions for laundered oil offences, compared to 257 in 2004.
In relation to the 102 convictions for cigarette smuggling, total fines of €40,000 were handed out.
Suspended sentences were imposed in two cases
Five cases were taken on indictment, resulting in four suspended sentences.
There was an increase of over 1,000% in the number of counterfeit items seized.
A total of 15 seizures of suspected criminal cash, amounting to €515,794 were made at airports and ports in 2005, compared to €366,304 in 2004.
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