An increase in the use of cocaine, both nationally and internationally and particularly among young professionals, was one of the emerging trends identified during the public consultation process in developing the national drugs strategy 2001-08 and by the European monitoring centre in Lisbon. Garda statistics on the number of possession offences for cocaine also suggest an increase in its usage.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the potential for licensed premises to be used for the distribution and use of all controlled drugs, including cocaine is addressed by strict enforcement of legislation and joint initiatives involving both the licensed trade and the Garda Síochána.
The Garda national drugs unit in conjunction with divisional and district drug units conduct covert operations in locations where drug dealing is suspected of taking place in licensed premises. The aims of these operations are to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the sale and distribution of controlled substances in licensed premises and to bring to the attention of the owners and management of these premises the fact that such activity is taking place and require them to take all necessary steps to ensure that such activities cease.
Over the past 12 months, the Garda national drugs unit alone has conducted 35 such operations in a variety of locations throughout the country. These figures do not include local initiatives conducted by divisional and district drug units. In addition, nine warning notices under the Licensing (Combating Drug Abuse) Act 1997 have been served on the owners of licensed premises.