asked the Minister for Justice the number, type and estimated value of seizures of prohibited drugs by the Garda Síochána for each of the past ten years.
Written Answers. - Drug Seizures.
262.
With the exception of particulars of the number of seizures for the years 1976-1979 inclusive, which are not available, statistics in relation to the seizure of controlled drugs by the gardaí, sometimes in conjunction with the customs authorities, are contained in the Annual Reports on Crime prepared by the Garda Commissioner. Copies of reports are available in the Library.
Because of variable factors in the illegal sale of drugs, the street value of drugs seized can only be estimated. The approximate values set out hereunder for each of the years 1976 to 1985 are based on estimates provided by the Garda authorities:
Street value of drugs seized
|
£ |
|
|
1976 |
19,200 |
|
1977 |
45,700 |
|
1978 |
77,500 |
|
1979 |
270,500 |
|
1980 |
993,500 |
|
1981 |
6,787,300 |
|
1982 |
1,316,300 |
|
1983 |
2,489,000 |
|
1984 |
242,600 |
|
1985 |
1,060,700 |