Vol. 524 No. 2
228 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Finance the quantities of heroin seized in each of the years 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999; the number of seizures in each year by Customs and Excise officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/00]
The information requested by the Deputy and other relevant particulars are contained in the following table.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, unlike cannabis which is a bulk product, heroin is usually transported in smaller quantities, often on the person. This makes detection far more difficult relative to other categories of controlled substances. The methods used in detection are regularly reviewed. I am informed that, following a recent review of the operation of the Customs national drugs team, the Revenue Commissioners have decided to acquire passive sniffer dogs which will be specifically trained in the detection of drugs concealed on the person. These dogs will be deployed at the main ferryports and airports. Training for the dogs and handlers commences in November next and the first fully trained dog will enter service in February 2001.
Quantities of Heroin Seized by C&E for years 1994-1999:
|
Year |
No. of Seizures |
Quantity KGs |
Value £IR |
Origin |
Means of Concealment |
Means of Transport |
|
1994 |
3 |
0.2046 |
109,480 |
UK |
Internal body (stuffed) |
Air |
|
1995 |
12 |
4.376 |
3,525,280 |
11-UK.1-Netherlands |
1 – Post5 Internal body (stuffed)4 – Underwear-strapped2 – Hand luggage |
1-Post1-Sea10-Air |
|
1996 |
7 |
3.91825 |
1,391,197 |
1-Switzerland4-UK.2-Ireland** |
2 – Post1 – Internal body (stuffed)2 – Underwear-strapped2 – Hand luggage |
2 – Post3 – Sea2 – Air |
|
1997 |
3 |
0.368128 |
64,476 |
2 – UK1 – France |
1 – Underwear-strapped1 – Internal body (stuffed)1 – Hand luggage |
1 – Air2 – Sea |
|
1998 |
1 |
1.33 |
200,000 |
Unknown |
In commercial cargo |
Sea |
|
1999 |
4 |
1.126 |
171,800 |
2 – UK2 – Netherlands |
2 – Internal body (stuffed)2 – Underwear-strapped |
3 – Air1 – Sea |
