Crackdown on surge of heroin exports

THE news of a major crackdown by Dutch police on the heroin export trade comes at a good time for Ireland.

There have been growing signs in recent years of a rising problem here, reflected by a massive rise in seizures up to last year and increased numbers of addicts seeking treatment.

There is evidence of a worsening problem outside Dublin, in cities like Limerick and Cork and towns like Wexford and Edenderry, Co Offaly.