468. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance to provide data of drug seizures at point of coastal importation in tabular form that includes individual drug type, weight of drugs seized, shipping company, type of cargo on board from the years 2017 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38593/23]

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath,: Revenue has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into, or exported from, the State. I am advised by Revenue that its drugs interdiction strategy supports the Government’s strategic approach to the misuse of drugs under the National Drugs Strategy 2017-2025. The Government is acutely aware of the sustained and significant damage that the importation of illicit drugs has on communities right across the country, and every effort is made to combat not just the importation of illicit drugs but also firearms, ammunition and cash that inevitably accompany this very serious organised criminal activity. I am assured that combatting the smuggling of controlled drugs into and out of this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a priority for Revenue.

I am further advised that details of the shipping company and type of cargo in relation to drug seizures are not routinely recorded. During the period 2017 to end of August 2023, Revenue officers have detected drugs in a variety of concealments which includes contraband secreted within consignments of furniture, fuel tanks, and barrels of oil. Some of the more elaborate concealments involve purpose built “hides” within the roof area of refrigerated trucks, horse boxes and a detection of cocaine which was impregnated in a consignment of charcoal.

The value and volume of drugs seized at all national ports for the years 2017 to date are outlined below in tabular form:

In addition to the figures outlined above, during the period 2017 to date in 2023, Revenue seized approximately 63kgs of suspected cocaine which was detected when washed up along the Irish coastline. These detections are believed to be associated with failed drug smuggling attempts into the State.

I am advised that Revenue monitors and evaluates harbours and inlets along the coastline to identify the risk potential for drug smuggling. Revenue utilises the latest detection methods at the points of entry into the State, with the deployment of assets such as Revenue scanners, drug detector dogs and staff deployments on a 24/7 basis, where required, at frontier posts. Revenue deploys two Revenue Customs Cutters to patrol the coastline, undertake vessel controls and support maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering duties in relation to drugs. These vessels work closely with teams of land-based enforcement officers involved in anti-smuggling duties deployed to cover potential high-risk areas along the coastline. Revenue’s Customs Drug Watch Programme supplements work in this area and is aimed at encouraging members of the public, along with coastal and local maritime communities to notify Revenue of suspect or unusual activity around the coast by way of a confidential 24/7 free phone facility 1800 295 295.

At a national level Revenue works closely with An Garda Síochána in addressing the challenges and risks associated with drugs smuggling, together with the Health Products Regulatory Authority in acting against the illegal drugs trade. Revenue’s work against drug crime is extensive and multifaceted and is kept under continuous review to ensure that it makes the most effective contribution possible to deal with this societal problem.

Given the global nature of the illicit drugs trade, international law enforcement cooperation remains a key element in Revenue’s overall response. Revenue has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level, targeting drugs trafficking, including working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Europol and the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N). Revenue liaison officers are stationed in both Europol and MAOC-N, ensuring Revenue is at the forefront in the area of drugs enforcement at an international level. These officers work closely with international colleagues in identifying the transnational risks associated with drug smuggling into the State.

There is also ongoing cooperation between Revenue, An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and HMRC in tackling serious crime, including drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs under the cross-border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF).

Finally, I think it is important to recognise the challenge of combatting drugs importations in an international context having regard in particular to the scale and scope of the international movement of people, vehicles and freight and the transnational nature of organised crime. I acknowledge the critical work of Revenue and An Garda Síochána, in particular, in tackling the challenge of illegal drugs importations. The risk-based approach being adopted, including developing and utilising intelligence in conjunction with national and international law enforcement partners, ensures optimal deployment of resources by the agencies involved. I am satisfied that Revenue is clear and focused in its resolve to tackle the challenge of illegal drugs smuggling.