Sharp rise in use of heroin in cities and towns

THERE are an estimated 2,000-plus heroin users outside Dublin, according to the first national study on opiate use.

The sharp rise in the use of heroin in cities and towns poses major challenges for the newly-established Regional Drug Task Forces, which were supposed to be set up more than a year ago. The report commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs found there was an estimated 1,000 fewer heroin users in Dublin in 2001 compared to 1996.

Overall, it puts the estimated number of heroin users in Ireland at 14,452 12,456 in Dublin.