This article is from page 4 of the 2009-03-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE amount of cannabis resin seized in Clare increased substantially last year with the number of heroin and cocaine seizures dropping.
Figures released by the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern TD show that 9,000 grams of cannabis resin was seized – compared to 774 grams in 2007.
However, the figures provided by Minister Ahern in response to a Dail question show that the number of cases where drugs were analysed fell
sharply last year.
The figures show that 167 cases were analysed last year – this com- pares to 328 cases analysed in 2007 and 272 in 2006.
However, the figures show that there were fewer seizures 1n more high profile drugs such as heroin, cocaine and amphetamine in Clare last year.
The figures show that 5.46 grams of heroin was recovered last year where eight cases were analysed.
This compares to 13 separate hero- in seizures in 2008 when 38.3 grams
were analysed.
The returns show that last year 169 grams of cocaine were recovered in 13 separate cases. This compares to 43 seizures in 2007 when 1,073 grams of cocaine were seized.
The numbers provided by Minister Ahern confirmed that the numbers in the Clare Drugs Unit have increased from four in 2006 to six in 2008.
However, the statistics do show that the quantity relating to MDMA or esctasy seizures last year increased.
The figures show that 401 grams of powder esctasy was seized in 2008
and this compared to 89 grams in 2007.
However, the figures show that the Gardai recovered 8,100 MDMA tab- lets last year — this compares to 4,926 tablets recovered in 2007.
The figures also show that the quan- tity of amphetamine seized last year was down on 2007.
The figures show that 17 grams of amphetamines were recovered last year compared to 68 grams in 2007.
The figures for 2006 show that 521 erams of amphetamine powder was recovered in 2008.
The minister stated that some cases await analysis.
In response, Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said yesterday, “Illicit drugs are dangerous and using them can and does destroy lives. Drugs are a blight on society. It is a fact that illegal drug use 1S on the increase among all age groups. Criminals supplying the mar- ket are extremely clever in how they manage their distribution network.
She added, “Many young people have been persuaded by the lure of easy money or threats to become small time dealers. It is important that the main dealers are pursued but it is equally important that the net- work of small dealers is constantly monitored and brought to justice. This can be extremely difficult given the quantity involved which can be passed off as for “own use’. This is an unacceptable excuse. Crime is on the increase and many of the crimes committed can be directly related to the supply and use of drugs.”