Fear for lives after massive drugs theft

LIVES will be lost if powerful controlled drugs stolen in Limerick at the weekend hit the streets, gardaí warned last night.

A garda spokesman described the haul as ‘vast’ and included morphine and other drugs used in highly controlled surgical settings.

Several van loads of the drugs were taken from a warehouse sometime between Friday night and Monday morning.

The controlled drugs also include antidepressants and a wide range of psychiatric drugs used only in hospital settings under strict medical protocols.

A garda spokesman said: “Such is the concentration of some of these drugs, a relatively small amount would be fatal.

“Our concern is that people on the streets might get their hands on them, not knowing the danger they pose.”

The drugs were stolen from a warehouse in the Galvone area of Limerick city.

The theft was discovered yesterday when workers returned after the long weekend.

Company representatives were working late last night to quantify to amount of the drugs taken.

Given the huge quantity of drugs taken, a number of vans had to be used in what gardaí describe as an elaborate logistical operation.

The drugs were in tablet, capsule, powder and liquid form.

One source said last night: “This is one of the biggest robberies of its kind,”

An incident room for the warehouse robbery has been set up at Roxboro Road garda station and can be contacted on 061 214349.