Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’ Callaghan has commended gardaí for their work over the weekend in seizing cocaine worth €2.5 million during a search of three vehicles in Dublin.
The seizure was part of an operation targeting organised crime and involved officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The seizure of the drugs is a stark reminder of the drugs epidemic currently being experienced in Ireland. The Gardaí are to be commended for their work in stopping this significant quantity of drugs making its way into the market.
“Tackling the country’s crippling drug problem requires major reform and every day we hear stories of individuals, families and communities devastated by drugs and the associated violence. 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.
“Drug use, be it recreational or caused by addiction, is a social and public health crisis that must be vigorously tackled,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.