John Deasy
Question:238 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to reduce the level of illegal drugs entering the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7457/03]
Written Answers - Drug Trafficking.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the customs and excise service of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into the State as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by both the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Finance in January 1996.
The commissioners attach a very high priority to the detection of illegally imported drugs. This is reflected in Revenue's statement of strategy 2003-2005, which I recently approved and launched. The office has committed itself to deliver on the supply reduction targets set out in the national drugs strategy, NDS, document, Building on Experience. These targets require the Customs Service and the Garda Síochána to increase the volume of opiates and all other drugs seized by 25% by the end of 2004 and by 50% by the end of 2008, using 2000 seizures as a base.
The commissioners advise me that the Customs Service seized controlled drugs with street values of €60.6 million and €33.6 million in 2001 and 2002, respectively, compared with €10.9 million in 2000. The national drugs strategy also advocates the strengthening and consolidation of measures designed to restrict the importation of illicit drugs. A number of specific measures have been implemented by the commissioners to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Customs Service in its efforts to detect drug smuggling.
The Customs Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, programme continues to grow and expand. Customs have now negotiated 42 MOUs with trade associations and significant operators involved in import/export, or international transport and logistics. A further two are in the course of preparation. The promotion of these MOUs is regarded internationally as best practice and is in keeping with the World Customs Organisation business alliance programme.
An operational protocol was agreed with the Garda Síochána in October 2000, and this has enhanced the effectiveness of inter-agency co-operation and significantly increased the number of joint operations and controlled deliveries.
A new drug detector dog acquisition programme has just been completed resulting in the deployment of nine detector dog teams at strategic locations throughout the State. Passive 'stop and stare' dogs, which can screen passengers as well as freight, are now being utilised.
The Customs drugs watch programme has been reviewed and was re-launched earlier this year. This programme seeks to enlist the support of the coastal community and other persons based in strategic locations in reporting suspicious activity to Customs on a confidential basis. The programme includes a poster and public awareness campaign.
A customs officer has been assigned to the Europol National Office.
Conscious of the globalised nature of drug trafficking, there is constant interaction with customs administrations and law enforcement agencies in other countries and this results in regular national and international operations being organised.
The Revenue Commissioners advise me that they constantly monitor and review the effectiveness of their drugs enforcement operations. In addition to the measures already implemented, the commissioners are considering the acquisition of additional technical and other equipment in order to enhance the ability of the Customs Service to detect illegally imported drugs.