According to Breaking News.ie, Irish authorities have seized a staggering €170 million worth of drugs so far this year, more than doubling last year’s figures. Revenue officials are reporting a “significant increase” in drug seizures across Irish ports and airports.
In August alone, nearly €45 million in drugs were confiscated, including major busts at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort. Dublin Airport has become a hotspot for drug smuggling, with over 800 individual seizures this year.
Michael Gilligan, head of customs at Dublin Airport, revealed shocking details about drug mules ingesting up to 120 cocaine pellets at a time. These vulnerable individuals, often paid as little as €1,000, risk their lives for criminal gangs.
Superintendent Darren McCarthy highlighted the 100% conviction rate for these cases since 2022, with typical prison sentences ranging from six to eight years.
While authorities celebrate their success, they admit they can’t catch everything. Revenue is investing in new technologies and risk analysis systems to stay ahead of increasingly inventive smuggling methods.
As Dublin Airport expects to welcome 33 million passengers this year, the battle against drug trafficking continues. Last year’s record €302 million drug seizure serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge facing Irish law enforcement.