Drug dealers targeting heroin users at clinics

Crack cocaine dealers are targeting heroin addicts at clinics in Dublin to drive up demand for the lethal drug, experts warned today.

Health chiefs said the north-inner city was the main market for pushers despite garda operations in 2005 and 2006, but since then crack has spread across the capital.

Although dealers do not sell to strangers they are offering the highly addictive substance along with other drugs and targeting users outside methadone clinics.

The Health Research Board (HRB) warned that crack hit the streets after non-Irish dealers arrived in the country with access to cocaine supply routes, possibly in West Africa, and the know-how to prepare the drug.

Junior Minister John Curran, who runs the drugs strategy, warned authorities must remain vigilant to prevent the spread of crack.

“It is good news that the crack cocaine market has not taken hold in Ireland to the extent it has in other countries,” he said.

“However, this report highlights the need to remain vigilant to ensure that this remains the case.”

The HRB said the typical crack user was a man in his 20s, homeless, a former or current heroin user and usually unemployed.

Social workers also reported there may be younger crack cocaine users who binge on the drug but do not engage with treatment services for a variety of reasons.

The Board conducted the research over nine months and found:

:: Crack cocaine is relatively expensive at €50 a ’rock’. The high price puts off users with most saying they would use more if they could afford it.

:: Users pay for their habits through shoplifting, burglary and robbery.

:: Most crack users already had a history of problematic drug use, mainly heroin.

:: 37% of new crack users in treatment began using before the age of 20

:: Users suffer side effects including breathing and heart problems, rapid weight loss and most commonly psychological such as paranoia, aggressiveness and depression.

:: There is an increase in the number of women returning to or beginning sex work to fund their habit.

:: Dealers are likely to intimidate users’ families when debts mount.

Dublin TD Tony Gregory said the HRB report is a vital step in responding to a potential crack problem.

“When crack cocaine emerged in the North Inner City in 2005, it raised considerable concern locally, particularly given the historic impact of the heroin problem in the area and the reputation that crack has in other countries,” he said.

“We realised the need to respond quickly based on a clear and objective analysis of the problem. Inviting the HRB to provide this evidence-based report on the crack situation was a vital first step.”

The HRB said a conference was planned for next January in Dublin to discuss the report and suggest actions to address the crack cocaine issue.