Ireland 'lucrative market for drug gangs', says Harris
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Ireland is now a target for international drug gangs who see this country as a lucrative cocaine market, the Garda Commissioner has warned.
Drew Harris has admitted that gardaí have no way of telling the total amount of illegal drugs that are landing on our shores each week.
It comes after a number of high-profile seizures in recent months by gardaí who are now working with counterparts in Europe and South America to tackle international drug cartels.
On Wednesday, two men were charged with the largest-ever seizure of methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth, and appeared via video link before the scheduled sitting of Tralee District Court.
The commissioner said Ireland as a wealthy country is seen as a target for international drug gangs.
"We are seen by these organized crime groups as a wealthy country, an affluent place, and that is shown even in terms of the cocaine use that there is in Ireland. Cocaine use is proportionate to the prosperity of a nation and therefore we are a target. So that is one of the principal challenges."
Speaking at a cross-border policing conference, Mr Harris also warned that the strength of cannabis, cocaine and other illegal drugs in circulation has dramatically increased to "lethal doses" in some cases.
"I would say around drugs generally, they're becoming more prevalent and stronger as well. So cannabis in particular, in terms of the THC content, which is the actual live content of the cannabis, is a good deal stronger than it was 20, 30 or 40 years ago."
Mr Harris said this is driving addictive behaviour; psychotic incidents, and mental health problems.
"People are taking substances with no idea how it's being produced or to what strength and there are real dangers."
He said recent testing at events including the Electric Picnic festival showed "really huge variations in the strength of drugs to the point of lethal doses".
The Commissioner admitted it is "nearly impossible to estimate" the quantity of drugs being shipped into the country, but referenced a number of recent high-profile seizures.
The MV Matthew was seized in September carrying over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, with a conservative value of €157m but which may have a street value of some €500m.
Earlier this month a shipment of crystal meth worth €32.8m was seized in Port of Cork.
Two men have been remanded in custody for a further two weeks in relation to this haul.
Nathan McDonnell, 43, of Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged that between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry, he had in his possession methylamphetamine, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
James Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry, is charged with the same offence.
He is further charged that on October 16, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, he did import methylamphetamine with a value of €13,000 or more contrary to section 15 B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Referring to the impact of such seizures, the Commissioner said: "We know that the price of cocaine is on the increase in terms of its street value, it increased maybe over 25% in the last three to four months. And that shows the value of the work happening on the island of Ireland," adding that there have been "huge seizures" in the Caribbean and West Africa.
"The main dealers are focused on the full array of drugs, from cannabis, right through to cocaine, down into heroin and now into synthetic opioids," Mr Harris said.
He said social media and WhatsApp are now being used to distribute and sell drugs.