TD: Under-resourcing of garda drug units allowed 'up and coming' dealers get established

Thomas Gould said that due to cuts, gardaí "were prioritising the big guys, which is fair enough", but didn't have the resources to focus on relatively small dealers who have stepped up open dealing, violence, and intimidation. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
 

The country’s local drug units still have a lot fewer gardaí in them now than 12 years ago despite a significant investment in recent years, garda figures show.

The hemorrhaging of divisional drugs units caused by austerity was so severe that it may be towards the end of next year, or beyond, before numbers go back to pre-austerity levels.