Drugs trade 'never waned', bucking Covid crime trends

Plans 'in place' over recent increases in assaults and anti-social behavariour

Illegal drugs discovered earlier this month when a truck and low-loader trailer, arriving into Ireland from mainland Europe, was stopped and searched by Revenue officers. File photo: Revenue

The Garda Commissioner has said the illegal drug trade has “never waned” during the pandemic, bucking overall crime trends which show sustained downward or stabilised rates of offending.

Drew Harris said he was aware of reports of assaults and anti-social behaviour around Dublin city centre, but said “comprehensive plans” were in place to deal with the continuing easing of restrictions on socialisation.