Fake Labubu dolls seized as part of Revenue operations
The furry plushies with a wide grin were designed by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lunch in 2015 and have soared in popularity in the past year.
Last week, Revenue officers seized contraband with an estimated value of over €289,000, including the counterfeit Labubus.
The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations, and included the following:
6.16kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €123,840;
3.57kg of cannabis resin with an estimated value of over €20,350;
Various illicit tablets with an estimated value of over €5,000;
Various other illicit drugs with an estimated value of almost €8,000;
Over 125 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of over €1,580, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €1,245;
Tobacco products, with an estimated value of almost €5,000, and represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €3,540;
200 counterfeit labubu figures with an estimated value of €4,000;
353 other counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €121,000.
A spokesperson for Revenue said the seizures were made with the assistance of detector dogs Ciara and Enzo.
'The parcels containing illicit drugs originated from the USA, the UK, Canada, and were destined for various addresses nationwide.
'The cigarettes and alcohol products were seized in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort.
'The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights. Four weapons and pellets were also seized,' said the spokesperson.
Investigations into all the seizures are ongoing.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
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