Taxi drivers warned over drug-carrying passengers

TAXI drivers’ representatives have warned drivers in Waterford to be on the alert for passengers using taxis to ferry drugs.

The warning follows two swoops in the city in recent weeks, both of which involved stopping taxis carrying passengers with drugs.

Congratulating the gardaí on the swoops, Dave O’Reilly, a spokesman for the Taxi Drivers Union, said they were alarmed at the development.

This week, one taxi was stopped and its occupant was found to be in possession of €130,000 worth of ecstasy and cocaine. Mr O’Reilly urged drivers to be extra-vigilant. In a local radio interview, he said his members were stunned that they were being abused by fare-paying passengers in such a manner.

“In the past two weeks alone, there have been two major seizures among passengers in taxis.

“Taxi drivers are horrified that people would use taxis to transport drugs.

“We are horrified and we are now sending a message to all of our drivers to be on their guard, to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to the gardaí.

Mr O’Reilly said drivers could not allow the use of taxis to transport drugs.

“We would appreciate any help the gardaí can give us in trying to identify suspicious people or people who might be carrying drugs.

“We are as anxious as anyone to see an end to this. We certainly don’t want to see our industry dragged into such illegal activities,” he said on WLR FM.

Mr O’Reilly said there was genuine fear in the industry that if the problem was not stamped out now it could continue, if not grow.

“Drivers have come to me and have outlined their concerns,” he said.

“We are all concerned that our industry could be used in such an illegal manner.”