A major victory for criminal gangs

SO well done to the Government, acting with urgency to bring in legislation that will prohibit the sale of many, heretofore, legal highs.

The “Liveline Brigade” has got its way once more. An easy win-win for the two main policy-making groups in the state. And a big win also for our criminal gangs, heavily, if not totally, reliant on underworld drugs money to keep their vast murderous empires ticking over.

No doubt the champagne corks were popping in West Dublin, Moyross and the likes as those who regularly take these previously legal highs are driven back into the murky gangland world to get their fix.

Our Justice Minister said that the safety of the community is being put at risk by the operation of head shops.

I am not alone in thinking that underworld thugs do a much greater and far more damaging job of threatening community safety.

State-controlled head shops would have provided a chance to police in a more open way those who take drugs as well providing a significant, badly-needed new tax intake while at the same time weakening somewhat the power of our criminal gangs.

Chance lost. But at least the “Liveline Brigade” and underworld thugs are happy.

Brendan Corrigan

Creevy

Lisacul

Ballaghaderreen

Co Roscommon