Fake designer goods worth €15,000 seized in operation targeting the 'shadow economy'

Counterfeit designer goods worth more than €15,000 have been seized by Revenue officers during searches targeting 'shadow economy activity'.

The goods, which were discovered at Dublin Airport earlier this week, include Dior, Mulberry and Louis Vuitton bags; eight pairs of New Balance runners, designer sunglasses, a Yves Saint Laurent card holder and a variety of Nike apparel.

During the same search operation, almost 20 kgs of herbal cannabis and butane honey oil, with an estimated value of €405,000, was discovered in parcels originating from the USA and Thailand and which were destined for various addresses nationwide.

In a separate operation at Dublin Airport, Revenue officers seized approximately 5.3 kgs of cannabis resin with an estimated value of €31,800.

"The illicit drugs were discovered when Revenue officers stopped and searched the baggage of a passenger who had disembarked a flight from Lisbon. A man in his 50s was arrested by An Garda Síochána before being charged. He is now before the courts," said a spokesperson.

In another intelligence-led operation in Co Galway this week, Revenue officers with the assistance of detector dog Toby, seized 52,960 cigarettes with an estimated value of €44,300, following the search, under warrant, of two premises.

The illicit cigarettes of various brands represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €34,900. A man has been questioned into relation to the seizure.

"These 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," said the spokesperson.

Investigations into all of the seizures are ongoing.