Ireland fifth for cocaine-related deaths in Europe

IRELAND has the fifth-highest number of cocaine-related drug deaths out of 22 European countries, according to a UN report.

The UN’s drugs chief said people snorting cocaine in Europe were destroying the “pristine forests” of the Andes and “corrupting governments” in West Africa.

The World Drug Report 2010 said cocaine use appeared to be concentrated in Europe in six countries, including Ireland.