RECORD values of illegal drugs have been seized this year, figures have revealed.

A NEW EU agency will clamp down on the trafficking of cocaine into Ireland and the rest of western Europe, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan said yesterday.

THE customs service unveiled a new high-tech weapon yesterday in the fight against drug trafficking, smuggling, gun running, terrorism and human trafficking.

A new €3m scanner is to be deployed at Irish ports in a bid to tackle drugs and arms smugglers, it emerged today.