Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of drug seizures, where the estimated value of the drugs seized has exceeded €100,000, since the year 2000; and the estimated value of drugs recovered in such seizures. [31793/07]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated value of drugs seized and destroyed by the State since the year 2000. [31794/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of drug seizures by Customs where the estimated street value was €100,000 or greater since 1 January 2000 is 145. The total estimated street value of all such seizures is €302 million.

The total estimated street value of all drugs seized by Customs since 1 January 2000 is €319 million. All of these drugs have been destroyed apart from current seizures where disposal instructions have not yet been issued, cases currently under investigation and cases currently before the courts where the drugs are held as evidence.