Customs take drug battle to the seas
The Customs Service is to take its war against drug smugglers to the water for the first time, it emerged today.
A new 23-metre long cutter vessel has been added to the service’s armoury for the first time since the foundation of the State.
The RCC Suirbheir, or Surveyor, which has a top speed of 25 knots or 30 miles per hour, cost €1.6m euro and will be manned by a six-person crew of customs officers.
It was officially named today at the Custom House Quay in Cork.
The service said the vessel was being introduced in response to the problem of drugs importation and other smuggling via the Irish coastline.
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy said the new ship would be an important tool in the fight against drug dealers.
“I would like to compliment Revenue on its foresight and vision in adding this important piece of infrastructure in its, and the nation’s fight against the scourge of drug trafficking,” he added.
Frank Daly, the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, said the boat would prove invaluable in combating smuggling.
“This impressive vessel will play a very important role in ensuring that the environment for drug smugglers who come into our territorial waters and ports becomes increasingly and significantly more difficult,” he added.
The name was reached after Padraig Dooley from Kilkenny won a competition among Revenue staff which attracted over 2,000 entries.
