Prosecutions of users see sharp increase

THE number of drug users prosecuted in the courts has risen sharply over recent years.

Contrary to recent claims that drug users were not being targeted by gardaí, official figures show there has been a 55% rise in people being prosecuted for possession of drugs.

Garda figures show 7,432 people were prosecuted under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which is for possession only, and does not involve supply. This compares with 4,805 people in 2003.