Fake O'Neills GAA jerseys, machetes and drugs among €300k Revenue seizure haul

Fake O'Neills GAA jerseys, machetes and various drugs were among the €300,000 haul of seizures carried out by Revenue officers across Ireland last week.

The fake sportswear was part of a wider haul of 283 counterfeit items including knock-off designer gear from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Burberry. The total value of the fake goods alone has been estimated at €83,000.

The seizures followed intelligence-led operations and parcel searches in Dublin, the Midlands, Sligo, Kilkenny, and Rosslare Europort.

Revenue confirmed that 8.1kg of herbal cannabis worth more than €162,600 was discovered in parcels originating from the USA, France and Spain, destined for various Irish addresses. The discovery was aided by detector dogs Enzo and Ciara.

Among the more unusual items seized were six weapons, including a machete and pepper spray, while raids also uncovered over 100 litres of alcohol and tobacco products valued at over €39,000.

In a statement, Revenue warned shoppers about buying fake goods, saying: "The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights."

Meanwhile, officers also seized €4,500 in cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity following a court order granted in Gorey District Court.

Revenue has urged anyone with information about smuggling or counterfeit goods to contact them confidentially on 1800 295 295.

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