Simon Harris backs plan to tackle dealing of prescription drugs

Stricter controls to help gardaí in tackling street dealing of prescription drugs are to be fast-tracked and brought before the Dáil in the coming weeks.

The proposed ban on the unauthorised possession of the drugs, including benzodiazepines, comes following concerns over the growing trade in the drugs in Dublin’s inner city. Health Minister Simon Harris told the Irish Examiner that long- awaited legislation would be enacted before the summer recess.

The development comes as Taoiseach Enda Kenny prepares to visit Dublin’s inner city this week, following a spate of gangland-linked murders there. There has been a rise recently in numbers presenting with addiction problems with benzodiazepines and overdoses linked to the tranquilliser.