Emer Higgins
Ceist:234. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the amount of nitrous oxide seized by customs each year since 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18610/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 July 2020
Ceisteanna (234)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that it is aware of the emerging trend in the misuse of nitrous oxide. Revenue is closely monitoring importations of the product into the State.
Nitrous oxide containers are not prohibited goods as they have a number of legitimate uses, for example in the food industry. However, where Revenue has reasonable grounds for believing that the goods being imported will not be used for legitimate purposes and that the psychoactive substance is being used for human consumption, then Revenue has the power to detain and seize psychoactive substances in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010.
Revenue had no seizures of nitrous oxide in the period from 2015 to 2019. It has had three seizures of the product to date in 2020 consisting of 14,400 canisters. In addition, two commercial consignments, which were routed through Dublin Port from another EU member state, were seized by the UK Border Force following information provided by Revenue.
Revenue works closely with other agencies in the State including An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, in acting against the illegal drugs trade. I am assured by Revenue that combating the importation of any prohibited or restricted goods into this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a priority.