Irish cocaine and ecstasy use well above EU average

COCAINE and ecstasy use in Ireland is among the highest in Europe, according to a report, published yesterday, which revealed that cocaine is fast becoming the drug of choice for young people across the EU.

The 2005 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) said cocaine trafficking and use is rising throughout Europe with growing evidence of cocaine-related health problems.

EU drug experts fear cocaine is becoming the “stimulant drug of choice” among many young people and that cocaine consumption rates in some countries are now similar to those in the US.