Irish Examiner view: Warnings for the champions of deregulation

The head of Organised and Serious Crime says there is an 'insatiable appetite' for cocaine in Ireland.

Two significant markers were put down this week in the debate over whether Ireland should liberalise its drug laws. And neither was particularly helpful for those who argue for deregulation or, indeed, decriminalising usage.

Firstly, the Republic’s leading police specialist, Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, warned open use will “surge” if Ireland decides to relax its laws and warned the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use — which is examining legislation and policies — should understand the “full picture” of the consequences of decriminalising or legalising use or supply.