Vol. 568 No. 5
406 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that crack cocaine is being sold in Dublin; if his attention has further been drawn to the widespread concern of communities that have previously had to deal with a heroin epidemic; and the special measures his Department is taking, in conjunction with the Garda authorities, to remove the frightening potential of this drug from devastated communities. [16728/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that seizures of cocaine have shown an increase in recent times, although it represents a small proportion of the overall number of drug offences annually. Operations have been initiated in divisions throughout the Dublin area and a number of significant seizures have been made. In addition, joint Garda-customs operations have resulted in the detection of a number of attempted cocaine importations at Dublin Airport. The situation will continue to be monitored and Garda operations targeting known suppliers of cocaine will also continue.
Any change in the use of illicit substances resulting in increased levels of consumption is of concern and in this regard the Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the forensic science laboratory, are monitoring cocaine seizures to establish the existence or otherwise of freebase – crack – cocaine.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that, in accordance with a commitment in the annual policing plan 2003, the Garda research unit in conjunction with the Garda national drugs unit are conducting research into cocaine usage and criminal activity and will bring forward policing recommendations accordingly. The objective of this research is to provide a better insight into the linkages between cocaine usage and criminal activities and inform police management on appropriate policing strategies. The Garda authorities have also initiated a broad study into illegal drug use and associated crime. The results of this research will provide a clear picture in relation to overall trends in drug misuse.
