Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan has said the seizure of more than €1.6 million-euro worth of heroin and cocaine is a strong reminder of the drugs epidemic currently being experienced in Ireland.
Three people were arrested on Friday in connection with the seizure of more than €1.6 million worth of heroin and cocaine, as well as €700,000 in cash, during a number of searches in the Leinster area.
Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Drug use, be it recreational or caused by addiction is a social and public health crisis that Fine Gael ignored for too long. The popularity of some substances such as cocaine has doubled in the past six years. Since 2017 cocaine use has risen by over 30%. We now know that the number of offences has increased in parallel.
“We need to see investment in youth development and community-based drug treatment programmes are essential to guide people away from drug use while rehabilitating those that are trapped in it. Tackling the country’s crippling drug problem requires major reform and every day we hear stories of individuals, families and communities that have been left devastated by drugs and the violence which is associated with it. The response from the government has been inadequate and underwhelming,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.