FF TD warns of threat posed by heroin to Cork’s youth
Deputy Michael McGrath sought details from Justice Minister Dermot Ahern about a “recent upsurge” in the number of heroin seizures in Cork this year.
In reply, Mr Ahern said there had been 59 seizures of heroin up to July: 47 in the Cork City garda division and six each in the Cork North and Cork West divisions.
This represented 14% of all seizures of heroin in the country up to that date.
“These figures certainly show a significant level of heroin activity,” said Mr McGrath. “What we don’t know is the level of heroin going unreported.”
He said he was “deeply concerned” at the emergence of heroin in Cork. “Heroin is a growing menace in Cork. We need to get to grips with it.”
He added: “If heroin becomes an established drug in the city and indeed in the county, as it is becoming, it presents a very dangerous threat to society.”
Mr McGrath said that, where heroin takes a foothold, gang crime will follow: “The two are inextricably linked, because of the amount of money, it’s a very lucrative trade and it’s a cut-throat business.”
He said there was a need to both cut the supply lines and address demand.
The figures released show there has been a large increase in the quantity of heroin seized in Cork in recent years, rising from 1kg in both 2007 and 2008 to over 3kgs in 2009.
The quantity has dropped this year, but researchers believe the number of seizures, as opposed to quantities seized, is a better indicator of trends.
Mr McGrath commended the work of gardaí in Cork and said their operations were making a “significant difference”.
He said heroin must be a national priority: “I think the country and the state must set this as a priority and aggressively tackle the scourge of heroin.”
He urged people with information about heroin dealing to contact Dial to Stop Drug Dealing, a confidential phoneline on 1800-222-220.
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