David Stanton
Question:11 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/98]
Written Answers. - Illegal Drugs.
Denis Naughten
Question:18 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/98]
Theresa Ahearn
Question:24 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/98]
Ulick Burke
Question:31 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/98]
Paul Connaughton
Question:65 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/98]
Louis J. Belton
Question:80 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/98]
Question:
83 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/98]
Paul Bradford
Question:96 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system used by the gardaí to store, dispose of or destroy illegal drugs seized by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6625/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 18, 24, 31, 65, 80, 83 and 96 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the arrangements in place are that when drugs are seized by the gardaí, such drugs must, subject to any crime scene examination that may be necessary, be delivered without delay to garda headquarters for forensic examination. All drugs, seized or otherwise, coming into the possession of the gardaí are kept in a safe and secure location under Garda protection.
Where there are legal proceedings or other legal requirements involving the seizure of drugs, the drugs must be kept as evidence. Where there are no legal proceedings or other legal restraints, drugs are disposed of as soon as possible.
In the case of small amounts, the procedure used is that the drugs are destroyed by the gardaí themselves. This process is witnessed and recorded by a Garda inspector or superintendent.
In the event of large seizures, the drugs are conveyed to a privately owned incinerator and destroyed by burning. This process is also witnessed and recorded by a Garda inspector or superintendent.