Major Cannabis Seizures in Ireland Lead to Arrests

Irish law enforcement has made multiple significant cannabis seizures recently, with arrests following at Dublin Port and in south Dublin. The Irish Tax and Customs office reported the discovery of 142kgs of herbal cannabis at Dublin Port, leading to the arrest of a man in his 40s. The shipment, which arrived from France, has an estimated value of €2.84 million ($3.06 million).

Investigations Remain Ongoing

According to the Irish Tax and Customs press release, the man is detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 in a Dublin Garda Station. The seizure is part of ongoing investigations targeting organized crime groups and the importation, sale, and supply of illegal drugs. The agency urged businesses and members of the public to report any information regarding drug smuggling.

Similar Bust in South Dublin

An Garda Síochána, the national police service of Ireland, conducted another significant bust in south Dublin on Friday. In a joint operation with Revenue's Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), and the Terenure District Drugs Unit, officers seized 16kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €316,000. A woman in her 30s was arrested and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in South Dublin.

Thursday's Seizure in Dublin

Revenue officers also seized 54kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €1,080,000 in Dublin on Thursday. This seizure was the result of a joint operation conducted by Revenue's Customs Service, the GNDOCB, and the DMR North Central Divisional Drug Unit.

Recreational Cannabis Remains Illegal in Ireland

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Ireland, with cultivation, import, export, production, supply, and possession only allowed under a Ministerial License. No licenses have been issued for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes, and the Irish government has no plans to legalize cannabis.

Reform-Minded Lawmakers Seek Change

Some Irish lawmakers wish to end cannabis prohibition. Last year, a bill was introduced in the Irish parliament that aimed to legalize cannabis for adults at least 18 years old, allowing possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis or 2.5 grams of cannabis resin (hashish). However, the bill did not include the sale of cannabis products or the cultivation of cannabis plants for personal use, meaning users would still need to purchase cannabis from the illegal market. If passed, the bill would change the Misuse of Drug Act, the 1977 law that established cannabis prohibition in Ireland.