400,000 tablets seized as crisis deepens

The Government has been urged to implement long-awaited plans to combat the illicit trade in prescription sedatives, as figures show seizures of the tablets have more that doubled.

Community workers have told Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, the drugs minister, that some young street dealers are making up to €1,000 a week selling the tablets.

Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan said community drug and youth projects were struggling to cope with the “aggression” and “chaotic nature” of people consuming these tablets, often taking them with alcohol and other substances.