The number of drug users who have died by hanging has more than doubled over the last nine years, official figures show.

Children have a “very bleak future” if the Government is unable to take on the vested interests in the alcohol and sports industries, the country’s largest representative body of community drug projects has said.

The Government has sent a clear message to the drinks industry that their interests are being protected by putting the alcohol action plan on the “back burner”, community and voluntary groups have said.

The country’s leading authority on alcohol policy has said he does not believe the Government will introduce measures to tackle the growing drink problem that will damage the industry.

DRUGS groups have accused the Government of “seriously undermining” the National Drugs Strategy by slashing both the drugs and community development budgets.

COMMUNITY drug groups have warned the Government they can’t implement a new national drugs strategy with slashed budgets and a “part-time” minister for drugs.

THE Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) seized almost €10 million in assets in 2007 as part of a policy shift towards targeting middle- ranking criminals.

DRUGS strategy minister Pat Carey yesterday said he was “very concerned” at the sharp rise in cocaine use and said action was being taken.

PARENTS seeking help for their children caught up in drugs were yesterday urged to contact a national family support group.

NINE-out-of-10 community drug projects in Dublin said violent and gun-related crime had worsened, according to a new survey.

JUNIOR Minister Noel Ahern expects a health services wrangle which it is claimed is threatening the Government’s drugs strategy to be “sorted” within a few weeks.

GARDAÍ yesterday broke new ground when they advised heroin dealers of the treatment options open to them during their arrest.

Around four hundred protestors from all over Ireland have held a major anti-drugs rally at Government Buildings in Dublin.