Cash and large quantity of cocaine seized in Athlone

Parcels of cocaine valued at more than €140,000 were seized yesterday (Sunday) by Revenue officers examining parcels at a premises in Athlone.

The illegal drugs were found concealed in two parcels that had originated in the Netherlands and were destined for addresses in counties Louth and Armagh.

Separately, on Saturday last at Mullingar District Court, Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge Bernadette Owens following the seizure last Thursday (September 1) of €5,420 in cash.

The money, which originated in Poland, was discovered as a result of routine profiling by Revenue officers examining parcels at a premises in Athlone.

The cash was detained by Revenue as it was suspected that it may have been the proceeds of criminal activity or may have been intended for use in criminal activity.

Also on Thursday last, with the assistance of a detector dog, Milo, Revenue officers seized 10,000 cigarettes, following a search under warrant of a premises in county Cavan.

The illicit cigarettes, branded 'Marlboro Gold' originated in Latvia and had a retail value of €7,500, which represented a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €5,900. A man in his 30s was questioned.

In a statement today, Revenue said investigations were ongoing in relation to each of these seizures.

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