Marijuana Worth €2 Million Seized at Dublin Port
A consignment of marijuana worth approximately €2 million (£1.7 million) has been seized at the port of Dublin.
The BBC reports that tax officers searched a registered cargo truck in Ireland that had disembarked from a ferry in Cherbourg, France.
With the assistance of a mobile X-ray scanner and a sniffer dog trained to detect narcotics, around 100 kilograms of the drug were discovered.
A 60-year-old man was arrested by the Garda (Irish police) and is currently being questioned at a police station in Dublin.
The man has been arrested under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 and is being held in custody in Dublin, according to authorities.
The investigation is ongoing, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
A representative from the tax service stated that this seizure is part of the "ongoing joint investigations into organized criminal groups and the importation, sale, and supply of illegal drugs."
As previously reported by The Gaze, marijuana has become a subject of discussion in the global drug policy landscape, representing both hope for some and a potential economic boon for others. The wave of legalization has swept across various countries due to a confluence of factors.
Medical benefits of marijuana are increasingly recognized by healthcare professionals. From chronic pain to epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, cannabis has shown promising potential in treating various debilitating conditions. This therapeutic potential has prompted a reconsideration of cannabis laws in many countries.
The economic appeal of the hemp industry is undeniable. This growing sector promises a significant increase in tax revenue and the creation of new job opportunities. By bringing the industry out of the shadows, governments can effectively regulate it, reaping economic benefits while ensuring consumer safety.
The prohibition of cannabis has far-reaching implications for criminal justice. Legalization is viewed as a way to reduce arrests for offenses related to marijuana use, subsequently lowering associated societal costs.
As reported by The Gaze, the parliament of Luxembourg has given the green light to the cultivation and recreational consumption of cannabis in private settings. As a result, each household will be allowed to have four plants, as long as they are not visible from the outside. Public consumption remains prohibited.
It's worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on legislators to legalize medical cannabis, aiming to help Ukrainians overcome "pain, stress, and trauma from the war." He emphasized the need for psychophysical rehabilitation in the country.