Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 5

Written Answers. - Drug Seizures.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

41 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the main features of the briefing the Government received from Mexican officials regarding the possible threat that a flood of cheap cocaine smuggled through Europe could create major problems for Ireland and other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1585/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which he proposes to intensify the campaign against drug dealing and the importation of drugs from other jurisdictions; if the gardaí are getting adequate co-operation from other jurisdictions on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3111/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 141 together.

Information available to the international community would indicate that Columbia continues to be the main source of cocaine smuggled into Europe. Drug abuse and trafficking affect all countries in the Americas. Closer co-operation at the regional and inter-regional levels is an important part of the response to the many facets of those problems. All countries in the Americas have continued to co-operate closely through a number of mechanisms at the inter-regional, regional and sub-regional levels.

Cocaine seizures in Ireland have increased substantially, particularly in 2002, and the Garda authorities have expressed concern at the apparent recent increase in cocaine use, especially in the Dublin city area. This would appear to coincide with an increase in the availability and use of cocaine in Europe generally as a result of increased production, particularly in Colombia, and a consequential drop in street price.

The Customs and Excise Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, interception and seizure of controlled drugs illegally imported into the State. An Garda Síochána has responsibility for the apprehension and arrest of persons suspected of such illegal importation and for the investigation of any related offences. Having regard to the international dimension to drugs trafficking, and recognising that both agencies have an important contribution to make, clear liaison arrangements exist to promote the highest degree of co-operation to prevent and to detect such offences.

The Garda Síochána and the Customs Service have competence to initiate, conduct and receive mutual enquiries and investigations within their respective competencies. I am informed by the Garda authorities that their experience of international co-operation is very positive. The assignment of liaison officers to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and France, and to Europol and Interpol, has enhanced such co-operation, especially in relation to drugs trafficking.

Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 25.