Garda drug units across country see numbers fall 30%

Garda drug units across the country have seen their numbers slashed by 30% in the last four years, figures reveal.

Many local units are forced to operate with a handful of members, with Cork West struggling with three; Wexford axed to just one; and Cavan/Monaghan’s unit abolished altogether.

Drug squads in divisions afflicted by organised crime — including Dublin North, Dublin South, and Limerick — have, on average, had their strength almost halved in recent years.