Revenue seize nearly €650,000 of laughing gas at Dublin Port

Revenue officers have seized 8,640 nitrous oxide canisters with an estimated value of €342,000 at Dublin Port. The discovery was made in a consignment originating from Hong Kong which had arrived via Rotterdam and which was intended for an address in Northern Ireland. 

Separately, on 30/05/2024 and also at Dublin Port, Revenue officers seized 10,800 nitrous oxide canisters with an estimated value of €305,000. The detection was made as a result of risk profiling in a consignment which had arrived from Zeebrugge, Belgium and which was intended for an address in Northern Ireland.

While this product is legitimately used in the catering industry, Revenue has a range of powers under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010, to detain and seize psychoactive substances in instances where there are reasonable grounds for believing that the goods being imported are not intended to be utilised for legitimate purposes.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the illicit trade in, and the importation of, psychoactive substances into Ireland. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.