Customs secure €6.3m equipment boost in battle against drug smuggling

THE Revenue Commissioners are to spend up to €6.3 million on new equipment aimed at cutting the amount of drugs being smuggled into the country.

It was announced yesterday that Revenue will buy a second Customs Cutter vessel and a second X-ray scanner that will be used by Customs officers.

The plans to buy the cutter and scanner were announced yesterday at a ceremony in Dublin at which the Revenue Commissioners also unveiled its sixth Statement of Strategy.

The new equipment will cost a combined total of up to €6.3m and is a response to the increased quantities of drugs being smuggled into the country in recent years.

The existing Custom’s Cutter, called the RCC Suirbhear and which cost €1.6m when commissioned in 2004, is currently based in Cork Harbour. It has six crew and was recently involved in the seizure of €105m worth of cocaine at Dunlough Bay off the Co Cork coast.

It will now be joined by the new cutter vessel, which will cost €2.3m, the Revenue press office said yesterday.

As for the existing Customs Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner, it cost €3m and is used to detect drugs and contraband and can scan containers, trailers and vehicles in less than 30 minutes. Since it was purchased in February 2006 it has already been involved in the seizure of €17m worth of drugs and the seizure of cigarettes worth €6.3m.

Even though that scanner was only launched two years ago, another scanner will now be bought and is likely to cost between €3m and €4m.

Revenue said it was still considering where both the new cutter and scanner will be located, and added that both pieces of equipment are expected to be delivered and in operation by the end of 2009.

The new Revenue Commissioner’s Strategy also highlights the need for increased efforts to prevent drug smuggling.

In addition to its other priorities, such as ensuring general tax compliance and combating tax and customs evasion, the Strategy states that there will be “a particular focus on tackling the growing threat of drugs smuggling”.

The purchase of the scanner, cutter and the publication of the new Revenue Strategy was welcomed by Tanaiste Brian Cowen, who claimed the investments were “tangible examples” of efforts by Revenue and Government to tackle the drugs problem.

Minister with Special Responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs, Pat Carey, who also attended yesterday’s event said: “The purchase of a second cutter and scanner, both of which are hoped to be in service next year, underscores the Customs Service commitment to the National Drug Strategy and to protecting society.”