Detector dog leads Revenue officers to huge cannabis haul worth almost €500,000

A detector dog has helped Revenue discover a huge cache of illegal drugs worth almost half a million euro. 

James the dog aided Revenue officers examining parcels at a premises in Dublin yesterday (Thursday April 4), where 24kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €480,000 was discovered. 

The illegal drugs were found in two parcels originating from Spain and destined for addresses in Dublin. 

Additionally, 4,860 litres of wine with an estimated value of over €59,200 was also seized at Rosslare Europort on Wednesday April 3. 

The illegal red wine - branded 'Doppio Passo Primitivo Rosso 2022' - was found during the search of an accompanied trailer which had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France. 

It represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €31,700

The driver of the load has been questioned.  

Investigations into both seizures are ongoing.

The seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. 

If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.