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National Drugs Strategy.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Questions (72)

John O'Mahony

Question:

151 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to set up a permanent drugs unit at Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/07]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners which has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation.

The Customs Service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, including airports.

I have been informed by the Customs authorities that in 2007, the Revenue Commissioners completed an extensive review of customs controls at all licensed aerodromes including Knock.

Following on the review and with increased flights from EU and non-EU countries into Knock, the level of customs control has been increased and has been applied on a risk-analysis basis. This is based on analysis and evaluation of general seizure trends, traffic frequency, route and similar risk indicators.

These controls have included over sixty visits to Ireland West Airport, Knock since the start of 2007 by a drugs detector dog team based in Sligo. Extra staff have also been assigned to the area which will further assist in increasing drugs detection at the airport.

Attendance by staff is selective and targeted and covers the full range of flight times and these are kept under constant review to take particular account of emerging smuggling trends and any traffic increase at the airport.

In relation to Garda strategies for dealing with drug offences, such strategies are designed to undermine the activities of organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs. These strategies include gathering intelligence on individuals and organisations involved in the distribution of drugs, conducting targeted operations on criminal networks based on intelligence gathered and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies within and outside the jurisdiction to address the national as well as international aspects of drug trafficking and distribution. These strategies continue to result in operational successes as evidenced by the ongoing levels of drugs seized by the Garda.

The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs at local, national and international level is constantly monitored by the Garda.

There continues to be excellent co-operation between the Garda and the Customs and Excise service under the terms of the memorandum of understanding in place between both agencies in the proactive investigation of persons suspected to be involved in international drug trafficking and ongoing liaison with various law enforcement agencies throughout Europe through Europol and Interpol.

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