Drug trade powder keg: How Ireland became a significant player in international drugs trade

Recent drug seizures have shone a light on Ireland’s role in smuggling illegal substances both to and from various countries across the world, writes Ann Murphy

It has become crystal clear in recent days that Ireland is not just a player on global drug trafficking routes because of the Kinahan connection. File picture

The past week has been proof – if it was needed – that Ireland is a significant player in the international drugs trade.

For many that unwanted tag has in no small way been thanks to the actions of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, which has climbed to the top of the global drugs trade over the past decade.