The Customs Service has increased its resources for the detection of drugs by doubling its canine unit from five to 10.
The dog-units have been strategically deployed to ensure that all critical points of importation are covered. The ports that are covered are Dublin Port and Airport, Rosslare Harbour, Waterford, Cork, Shannon and Sligo.
The units will search freight arriving at the above ports, while two of the units have also been trained to screen passengers. The dogs are trained in the scent identification of heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis. One of the dogs has also been trained to locate tobacco products.
The animals were trained in the Defence Animal Centre in the UK which is one of the most advanced dog training centres in the world and which provides specialist animal training to enforcement agencies in 18 countries. Training was also provided by the Metropolitan Police in London.
In the first six months of this year, Customs seized in excess of 56 million cigarettes and almost six tonnes of tobacco representing an increase of 60 per cent on the same period last year. Drug seizures have also increased significantly.
The street value of drugs seized so far this year is almost €31 million. Of particular interest is the significant increase in seizures of cocaine. In this regard, Customs seized 15.64 kilos of this drug, valued at almost €1.6 million.