343. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance for a breakdown of the number of seizures of illicit fentanyl by the Revenue Commissioners for each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; the estimated street value or worth of those seizures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/24] 

345. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance for a breakdown of the number of seizures of ketamine by the Revenue Commissioners for each of the years 2018 to 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; the estimated street value or worth of those seizures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/24] 

Michael McGrath, Minister for Finance: I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 345 together. 

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. This strategy represents a whole of Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. 

This Government is acutely aware of the sustained and significant damage that the importation and use of illicit drugs has on communities right across the country and that it funds organised crime. 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. 

Fentanyl is illegal to produce, possess, or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended). I am advised by Revenue that no seizures of fentanyl have been recorded to date. 

Ketamine is illegal to produce, possess, or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended).  

I enclose in tabular form below, the volume and estimated street value of seizures of ketamine for each year from 2018 to 2023 by Revenue:

I am advised by Revenue that it implements a risk-based approach to the discharge of its role in relation to illegal drug importations, and furthermore that Revenue utilises the latest in detection technology and methods to address the risk posed by drug smuggling. 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.