The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has launched a programme encouraging the public to assist Customs in catching drugs smugglers.
The Customs Drugs Watch Programme, launched in Rosslare Co Wexford today, is aimed particularly at members of the public living in coastal areas or involved in maritime, transport or travel activities.
As part of the programme the Revenue's Customs Service will distribute information booklets, calling cards and posters around the State.
Revenue spokeswoman Ms Josephine Feehily said: "This scheme is of particular importance to the Customs Service of a country like Ireland because of its location as the most remote and westerly country and because of the unique difficulties in patrolling a coastline measuring 2,800 kilometres".
A similar scheme was first introduced by Australian authorities in the 1980s.
