‘Head shops’ raided in drug probe

GARDAÍ raided 22 so-called “head shops” nationwide yesterday on suspicion that the premises were selling controlled or illegal drug products over the counter.

The investigation follows several months of intelligence gathering and monitoring by the National Drugs Unit. Gardaí seized items on sale at the shops, whose products include the sale of legal “party pills” that have similar effects to certain illegal drugs.

Superintendent Barry O’Brien with the National Drugs Unit explained: “The investigation involved a number of outlets around the country and us gathering evidence around their activities.” Raids took place in head shops in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Athlone, Portlaoise and Drogheda among places. The operation was described as “fairly significant” by gardaí.