Pharmacists plea for help after drug-related raids

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union has called for increased security for pharmacies participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme after a spate of attacks.

This follows raids on pharmacies providing methadone services, which involves pharmacists dispensing methadone to drug addicts as part of their drug treatment programme.

There have been a number of attacks on pharmacies in the North Dublin area in particular, though attacks have also been reported in Co Meath and in Co Louth.

A gun has been used by raiders in one such attack, according to the IPU. They documented 12 raids since January 1.

According to Richard Collis of the IPU, spokesperson for Pharmacists who are participating in the scheme, raiders are not concerned about hiding their identity and are not wearing masks.

“Raids on pharmacies are on the increase and it is the community pharmacist who is bearing the brunt of the drug problem here in Ireland," said Mr Collis.

“There needs to be a concerted effort from the relevant Government departments to ensure that there are adequate resources are in place to ensure the safety of all who visit a pharmacy, be that a greater deployment of gardaí, stiffer penalties for those who are involved in these crimes, tighter bail conditions and realistic contributions towards the cost of hiring private security.”

The IPU, representing 1,600 pharmacists, called for an increase in the number of gardaí on the beat in areas where pharmacies are participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.

Currently pharmacies that participate in the methadone programme receive a once off pharmacy grant of €6,000.

In June 2004, 314 pharmacies were participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.