REVENUE seized approximately 75kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over €5 million, near Liscannor yesterday. The drugs were discovered with assistance from the general public through the Customs Drugs Watch Programme.
Acting on a report from a member of the public, Revenue Customs officers from the South West region discovered a suspicious item on the shore near the North Clare fishing village, between Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. The “torpedo type” device was found to contain approximately 75kg of cocaine. The concealment may have been attached below the waterline of a cargo ship or other maritime vessel; however, it is not possible at this stage to say either where the drugs originated, or their intended destination.
The public are asked not to put themselves in danger by approaching or interfering with suspicious items such as this. The Customs’ Drugs Watch Programme encourages those living in coastal communities, maritime personnel and people living near airfields to report unusual or suspicious activities to Revenue Customs Service on Freephone 1800 295295.
Investigations are continuing.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.