Written Answers - Drug Smuggling.
Enda Kenny
Question:
260
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the measures, if any, in place to prevent the illegal landing of drugs on isolated beaches and landing points on the west coast with particular reference to counties Mayo and Galway; if he has satisfied himself that all necessary facilities are available to the authorities involved to adequately police and monitor such areas of coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9998/98]
The Customs and Excise Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled into the State.
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for the investigation of any offences connected with smuggling or illegal importation of controlled drugs. In situations where the Garda Síochána acquire intelligence and information concerning the importation of controlled drugs, a joint task force comprising members of the Garda Síochána, Customs and Excise and the Naval Service is set up to co-ordinate an appropriate strategy for the seizure of drugs and the apprehension of the criminals involved in smuggling drugs into Ireland.
I am advised by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs national drugs team resources servicing the Galway-Mayo region consist of one intelligence unit based in Galway supported by a maritime unit and a drug detector dog unit based in Sligo. The Customs national drug team resources deployed in this area can request assistance from other Customs national drugs team units as necessary. They can also request support from the seven units attached to the Revenue mobile service which operate in the Galway-Mayo-Sligo area.
A coastal watch scheme is also in place along the west coastline. This scheme involves educating the public in relation to the possibility of drug traffickers importing drugs along the coastline; ensuring that information is recorded and channelled efficiently; and ensuring that intelligence reports are utilised to the full.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in order to co-ordinate the management of this scheme a member of the Garda has been appointed in the relevant areas as a co-ordinator to cultivate contact with key members of the public in strategic locations and positions in the community.
In addition, the coastal watch co-ordinator, the divisional drugs units and the Garda national drugs unit liaise regularly with the Customs national drugs team in relation to matters affecting the possible use of the west coast by international drug traffickers.
With regard to the Naval Service, Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment of the joint task force, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating the illegal importation of drugs. The designation of Naval Service personnel as enforcement officers under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, has also increased the role and effectiveness of the Naval Services in this area.
During the course of routine fishery protection patrols Naval Service vessels may be deployed to anti-drug smuggling operations. Naval Service vessels are specifically tasked from time to time to carry out drug search and interdiction operations in aid of the civil authorities.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are satisfied that the Customs Service, in co-operation with the other enforcement agencies concerned, provide adequate protection at present against the illegal importation of drugs. The situation will, of course, be kept under review.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that recent seizures of controlled drugs in particular on the west coast and the south west coast have shown the success of the current policy along the coastline in the west and south west of Ireland.
