REVENUE OFFICERS HAVE seized 2kg of cannabis-infused ‘jelly sweets’, 650g of herbal cannabis and 50,000 contraband cigarettes, in three separate operations.

As a result of routine profiling today, Revenue officers in Portlaoise Mail Centre seized 2kg of cannabis-infused ‘jelly sweets’ along with 50 grams of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of €11,000.

The illegal drugs were discovered, with the assistance of Revenue detector dog Stella, in a parcel declared as beauty products.

The parcel originated in the US and was destined for delivery to an address in Dublin City.

The Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content within the jellies is currently being forensically analysed.

In another routine operation today in Portlaoise Mail Centre, Stella discovered 600 grams of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of approximately €12,000.

Revenue officers seized the illegal drugs which originated in Spain and were concealed in tins declared as ‘coffee products’.

Investigations are ongoing into both seizures with a view of prosecution, according to Revenue.

On Friday in north Tipperary Revenue officers seized 50,000 unstamped cigarettes while carrying out a Multi-Agency checkpoint with An Garda Síochána.

The seized contraband cigarettes have an estimated street value of €30,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €24,000. The brands seized included ‘EM@IL’ and ‘Richman’.

A man in his 40s was questioned and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Cigarettes seized in North Tipperary. Revenue Revenue

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal drugs and tobacco products in the shadow economy.

Revenue is asking anyone who may know someone evading or involved in smuggling to report it by contacting Revenue’s confidential freephone on 1800 295 295.