Probe over allegation gardaí protected celebrity drug users

THE Gardaí is to launch an investigation into allegations that members of the force protected well-known public figures with drug habits.

The Sunday Independent newspaper alleged corrupt gardaí had protected rich and public figures with drug habits, including the late RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan. In a statement, the Gardaí said the claims made against the force were based “on anonymous sources and without any apparent grounding in fact”. The statement went on to say, because of the seriousness of the claims, Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has ordered an investigation.

RTÉ also issued a lengthy and strongly worded statement in response to allegations of a tolerance of drug abuse among its staff and on its premises. It pointed out that the stations own security checks indicated there is no unusual activity at RTÉ in respect of drug abuse.