Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
391. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of seizures recorded by An Garda Síochána of products containing hexahydrocannabinol, including vapes, since the ban on the sale of such products in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53761/26]
View answerEnforcement of legislation for products containing hexahydrocannabinol, including vapes, rests between a number of agencies.
An Garda Síochána have a number of national and local operations that target the illicit drug trade and the Revenue Commissioners have responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs and other prohibited or restricted goods.
An Garda Síochána's overarching anti-drug activities come under the umbrella of Operation Tara. Operation Tara aims to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels – international, national and local – involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Under Operation Tara, individuals and groups involved in the drug trade are the target of enforcement activity based on intelligence and the latest crime trends.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that information on drug types is not available until they have been analysed by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). Drug volumes, following FSI analysis, are provided as part of the Commissioner’s Annual Report. The Annual Report for 2025 can be found using the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/
Forensic Science Ireland also publish details of drug seizures in their annual reports at the following link: www.forensicscience.ie/corporate-services/annual-reports/ .
