Tony Gregory
Question:244 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice the current number of gardaí solely and specifically dealing with drugs in local drug units and the national drug unit; and the comparative numbers for 12 months ago. [12547/97]
Written Answers. - Garda Drugs Unit.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current strength of the Garda National Drugs Unit based at the Dublin Metropolitan Headquarters is 39 and that there are a further 246 officers in local drug units dealing solely with drugs. The total number has almost doubled in the past 12 months when there was 49 in the GNDU and 97 in local drug task units, giving a total of 146. Operation Dóchas is also continuing with approximately 500 gardaí involved.
The Deputy should be aware that all members of the force have a responsibility for the enforcement of all aspects of the law, including the various drug laws. All gardaí now receive instruction and training in relation to drugs, including the enforcement of drug-related laws, the procedures for dealing with drug cases, health and safety issues, etc.