DRUG companies were accused yesterday of conning the public by hyping up patented medicines with little new to offer while downplaying their side-effects.

DRUG bosses are joining up with dissident republicans to extort cash from rival drug gangs, it has emerged.

DRUG dealers who tried to use the cover of a grotto to hide €100,000 of heroin were foiled when gardaí uncovered the stash during a planned search of wide areas of Southill in Limerick.

DRUG dealer John Gilligan claimed yesterday that had he paid a €2.5 million tax bill, the Criminal Assets Bureau would not be seeking to take over properties belonging to him and his family.

A DRUG company study claims to prove it makes economic sense for Ireland to begin a national vaccination programme against cervical cancer.

DRUG addicts have threatened to “rush the counters” of pharmacies if they become desperate for their methadone fix.

THE Irish operations of German pharmacy and drug wholesaler Celesio proved one of the highlights in the group’s performance last year.

DRUG distributor UniPhar recorded a 41% rise in profits last year to €15.6 million.

A DRUG group said it will have to severely cut a planned project to combat drug use among children, some as young as 10, after it received half the funding it needed from the Government.

DRUG giant Wyeth has announced a €13 million investment in research and development capability in Ireland.

DRUG firm Elan has seen its losses narrow and expects to be profitable next year following the release of treatment for multiple sclerosis.

DRUG companies have too much influence over the medicines used in this country, a UCC sociologist claimed yesterday.

DRUG manufacturers cherry picking lucrative markets are depriving Irish customers of essential medicines, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) has warned.