Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
503. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which combatting organised drug crime remains a priority; if any particular issues of importance in this context have arisen which might need further attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27401/14]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that tackling the illegal drug trade and the organised crime groups involved in such activities remain a key priority for this Government. The Policing Plan 2014 of An Garda Síochána sets out the continued commitment to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in such criminal activity, including multi-disciplinary approaches which are utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in such criminal enterprise are effectively targeted.
The Garda National Drugs Unit, working with other national units, including the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau, target persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. An Garda Síochána continue to record significant successes in intercepting substantial quantities of controlled drugs and have recorded numerous arrests of individuals involved in the trafficking and distribution of controlled drugs throughout the State. Given the global nature of the drugs trade, international law enforcement cooperation remains a key element in the overall response to organised drug crime. In this regard, An Garda Síochána has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drug trafficking including in working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and Europol and participating in the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics based in Lisbon (MAOC-N).
Drug law enforcement continues to remain a key area as part of the overall comprehensive approach in tackling the problem of drug misuse under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. I reiterate to the House my continued support for An Garda Síochána in all its efforts to bring about the successful disruption of the illegal drug trade and I commend it on its ongoing successes in this regard.
