One in five have tried illicit drugs, finds survey

SOME 20% of people across the country have taken illegal drugs in their lifetime, but only 3% are classified as regular users, the most comprehensive survey of narcotics use ever carried out has revealed.

The survey also reveals the numbers that have tried illegal drugs varies dramatically across the country.

In one Dublin health board area, nearly one-third of respondents told interviewers they had tried drugs, compared to just over one in 10 in the north-west.