164. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of illegal drugs seized and destroyed respectively in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16156/17]　

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by Revenue that the values of the illegal drugs which have been seized by them in each of the past five years are set out in the table. The values are estimated at the time of seizure and before full forensic analysis is complete.　

Illegal drugs seized by Revenue's Customs service are destroyed in consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Forensic Liaison Office of Forensic Science Ireland.

Drugs seized by Revenue that are required for evidence in criminal investigations are held until judicial proceedings are complete. In these circumstances the drugs may not be destroyed in the same year as they are seized.