LIVE: Fake Labubu figures seized in failed smuggling operation as Revenue cracks down
Around 200 of the viral plush toys, worth around €4,000, were seized during intelligence led operations
Hundreds of counterfeit Labubu figures, with an estimated value of €4,000, have been seized at a number of locations across Ireland, Revenue has confirmed.
The plushy dolls, which have become a viral sensation in recent times, are in massive demand around the country currently with months-long waiting lists to purchase genuine products.
This has resulted in a surge of counterfeit products making their way into the market and being sold across the country.
A Revenue spokesperson says around 200 Labubu figures were seized along with 353 other counterfeit items with an estimated value of €121,000.
Over the past week, Revenue offices seized contraband worth over €289,000 s part of various operations across the country.
The operations predominantly took place in Dublin, the Midlands and at Rosslare Europort and the contraband seized included drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and counterfeit goods, including the Laububu dolls.
The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence led operations. The seizures were made with the assistance of detector dogs Ciara and Enzo.
The parcels which contained illicit drugs originated from the USA, the UK, Canada and were destined for various addresses nationwide.
The full list of seized items and their estimated values are as follows:
* 6.16kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €123,840
* 3.57kg of cannabis resin with an estimated value of over €20,350
* Various illicit tablets with an estimated value of over €5,000
* Various other illicit drugs with an estimated value of almost €8,000
* Over 125 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of over €1,580, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €1,245
* Tobacco products, with an estimated value of almost €5,000, and represents a potential loss to the exchequer of over €3,540
* 200 counterfeit Labubu figures with an estimated value of €4,000, and
* 353 other counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €121,000
Revenue says further investigations into the seizures are currently ongoing as it continues to target 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.