Cocaine valued at more than €500,000 seized in Athlone

A parcel of cocaine valued at more than half a million euro was seized in Athlone in recent days, Revenue has said.

The 7.2kg of cocaine, with an estimated value of over €503,000, was detected as a result of "risk profiling and intelligence-led operations," according to a spokesperson for Revenue.

The seizure was made during a physical search by officers of a parcel which originated in Rotterdam and was seized when it was arrived at the DPD Athlone parcel hub.

It was the most significant of a series of seizures made in the week which commenced on Monday, April 20, and included contraband with an estimated value of over €608,900 that was recovered in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort.

Revenue said investigations into all seizures were ongoing.

The seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.