This article is from page 7 of the 2006-03-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
THE lack of customs checks on some flights into Shannon Airports is of huge concern and must be rectified, according to Clare independent TD, James Breen. He was speaking after Finance Minister Brian Cowen revealed that 17 flights passing through the airport last year were not subjected to custom controls.
Deputy Breen said that because the drug culture was a huge threat, every effort must be made to prevent drugs being imported.
“I would be very concerned. The drug culture is so large now, no chances can be taken. There has to be full cover at all times. Those drug barons know every trick in the trade,” he said.
He said various seizures of drugs in Clare in recent months must be welcomed, but warned that drugs were getting through.
“We can take no chances in our airports. There must be more cover. We have to address the reasons people are getting drugs,” he said.
Sixty five kilos of drugs were discovered concealed in luggage at Shannon last year, while 14 weapons were seized. Almost 800,000 cigarettes were seized, which is a significant increase on less than 500,000 in 2004.
A spokesperson for the Revenue Commissioners accepted that Minister Cowen’s figures were factual, but said that customs staff would always be present to deal with any “risk” flights arriving at Shannon.
He said most flights were covered by customs staff and decisions made depend on the origin of the flight, combined with intelligence.
“The vast majority of flights are covered by rostered staff (full-time employees), who work on shifts between 6am and 11pm. Some flights are covered by non-rostered staff , who work between 11pm and 6am,” said the spokesman.
He said customs officers attended flights “as required” and if any information was received which would lead to a risk, adequate action was taken.
“All flights are monitored on a risk basis. We wouldn’t check every passenger on every flight.
“It depends on where it comes from – high risk areas or suspects are monitored in particular . . . drug and cigarette smugglers would be high risk,” he added.
“We have to apply risk analysis and other information,” he said.
A spokesperson for Shannon Airport confirmed that a sniffer dog was always available.