Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of vessels that have been intercepted with illegal drugs around the coast of Ireland for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners of the following maritime drug seizures during the period 2005 to 2007. These are listed below:

March 2005: 4.5 kgs. cannabis resin seized from a fishing vessel (and follow-up search of suspect's house).

July 2007: 1550 kgs. cocaine seized in Dunlough Bay area (more than one seizure).

July 2007: 13.08 kgs. cannabis resin found at sea off the Galway/Mayo coast.

September 2007: 261.2 kgs. cannabis resin found at sea off Galway/Mayo coast.

November 2007: 60 kgs. cannabis resin found at sea off Galway/Mayo coast.

In the case of the seizures made in the vicinity of Dunlough Bay, while the vessel that carried the drugs was not intercepted in this jurisdiction, the Joint Task Force (JTF) partners (Customs/Garda/Naval Service) believe they have identified the vessel that imported the cocaine as part of the investigation. Four persons are currently before the courts in connection with this case.

In the case of the other seizures off the west coast, international enquiries are on going in an effort to identify the vessel(s) that carried the drugs and those responsible. There was a further seizure of 30 kgs. cannabis resin off the west coast in the past week. All these seizures were trawled from the seabed.

In addition, there have been several cases during the relevant period where the JTF, on its own initiative or at the request of foreign law enforcement, has monitored suspect vessels that have passed by our coasts in international waters. Some of these vessels were later intercepted with significant illicit drug cargos abroad. Intelligence has also been contributed to several international maritime drug trafficking investigations.

Other drug seizures were also made on land or in port, in freight imported on commercial cargo vessels; however it is taken that the Deputy's question does not relate to such seizures.

The Revenue Commissioners are acutely aware of the vulnerability of our coastal areas to drug smuggling. The Revenue Customs Cutter 'Suirbhéir' was commissioned in June 2004 in response to this threat. Customs officials work in close collaboration with the Garda and the Naval Service to prevent drug trafficking by sea. Customs also participate in regular international Joint Surveillance Operations, which target the smuggling of drugs in maritime traffic.

Most recently in September 2007, Ireland and six other EU member states established the Maritime Operations & Analysis Centre — Narcotics in Lisbon, Portugal. This centre has been specifically set up to further improve international co-operation in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly that of cocaine, into Europe; and I am confident that it will be successful.