Heroin crisis warning over job cutbacks

MEP Eoin Ryan has told the Herald that "fresh thinking is needed" to prevent more people falling victim to the drugs culture in the post-Celtic Tiger era.

The value of heroin seizures in Ireland passed the €40m mark for the first time last year.

"During the last recession in the 1980s, 15,000 people ended up as heroin users in Dublin city. This must not be allowed happen again," said Mr Ryan.

He added: "Already seven people have been killed in drug-related murders in Dublin city alone since the start of the year.

"At a time when unemployment is rising we must ensure that resources are made fully available to community groups involved in drug addiction initiatives."

Already this year, gardai have made at least seven significant heroin seizures, including one haul valued at €3m.

"If we don't start thinking outside the box, the situation will worsen for us all because drug use will increase and many more people will be injured or killed, families ruined and societies ruptured," warned Mr Ryan.

He said most of the drugs are coming from the "two narco states". Describing Columbia and Afghanistan as the "epic-centre of the global drugs problem", Mr Ryan said: "What happens in these two countries has a direct affect on what happens on the streets of Dublin."

Heroin is imported to Ireland via mainland Europe, mainly Spain and the Netherlands.

Combined heroin seizures last year were worth more in value than any other drug type.

Garda found €40.2m worth of the drug in 2008, compared with €29.7m in 2007.

It is thought that a small number of well-organised gangs are running the lucrative heroin trade, whereas the cocaine and cannabis trade has many small dealers.

Terrorism

Five large heroin seizures accounted for just over half of all heroin seized in the State last year.

"Those who purchase illegal drugs are supporting organised criminals who are causing such mayhem and destruction in Dublin city, in Europe and around the world. It is also supporting international terrorism," said Mr Ryan.

He has called for an international effort to stamp out the problem, noting: "The task facing all of us is that it becomes twice as difficult in Dublin and in Ireland if we do not find credible solution."

Source: Kevin Doyle, The Evening Herald, 16/03/2009