Minister Ahern must do more to combat drug problem

1 December 2005

by Cllr Joe Costello

Deputy Joe Costello has welcomed the two latest drug seizures by the Gardai in Dublin believed to worth an estimated street value of €17.5m.Deputy Costello said: “The latest drug seizure is the second this week. However, it is only the tip of the iceberg. The Gardai estimate their seizures represent only 10 to 15 per cent of the total import of illegal drugs. Illegal illegal drugs are coming through in unprecedented numbers.“This shows the need for extra Gardai, for more resources for the Gardai and for a greater commitment from Minister Noel Ahern to seriously tackle this issue. Minister Ahern this year established only four pilot projects at a cost of €400k to combat the cocaine problem. The fact is that drugs are available in every city, town and village in Ireland and the Government is not responding to this problem in the way it should. “I have always argued that the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau from drug dealers should be channelled into anti-drugs initiatives. It would help communities which have been hit hardest by the drug culture by using the proceeds of drug crimes to help their community.”