Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drug Seizures.

Billy Timmins

Question:

40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, the gardaí in Arklow, County Wicklow, are taking to deal with the drugs problem in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6687/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a district drugs unit was set up to cover the Arklow-Gorey area in August 1998. The unit has concentrated on monitoring the movements of known drug dealers and users. The activities of the main players in the drugs scene have been put under surveillance and valuable information has been obtained.

Persons suspected of being in possession of drugs have been stopped and searched, which has resulted in illegal substances being seized. In addition, areas identified as being frequented by drug dealers or users are regularly monitored by the gardaí.

The Garda authorities have also informed me that members of the district drugs unit are in constant contact with the divisional drugs unit based at Dún Laoghaire Garda station and monthly meetings are held to discuss the activities of known drug dealers and users. Covert operations in the Arklow and Gorey areas have also been undertaken with success.

During 1999 in excess of 250 persons were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 in the Arklow-Gorey area. Twenty two persons were prosecuted and brought before the courts under section 3 of the Act.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that every effort is being made and will continue to be made to tackle the use of illicit drugs in Arklow. The activities and haunts of known drug users will continue to be monitored and targeted. Stopping and searching persons suspected of being in possession of drugs will continue. Both district and divisional resources will continue to be utilised in this regard.