Gregory warns Ireland may face new heroin epidemic
Ireland could be facing a new heroin epidemic with shipments flooding in from Britain, it was claimed tonight.
As a United Nations watchdog revealed the UK had the largest seizure rate of the Class A narcotic in Europe, a Dublin TD urged the authorities to fend off the threat through education.
Independent representative Tony Gregory said most of the illegal drugs consignments come in from Liverpool, Manchester and London.
“Britain’s problems could have a quick impact on this country,” he insisted. “If the indicators are that heroin is on the increase and Britain is now one of the highest sources that could have major implications for this country.”
The UN International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)’s annual report painted a grim picture of use in the UK.
It had the largest heroin seizure rate in Europe and the third highest number of heroin addicts. But alarmingly for Irish authorities, the country was at the top of the ecstasy abuse league.
Britain also had the highest level of amphetamine abuse anywhere in Europe and the third highest level of ecstasy abuse after Ireland and the Czech Republic, the agency’s annual report said.
“The only way of dealing with a situation like this is through education,” Mr Gregory stressed. “You can’t contain it through crime prevention or supply controls.”
The Dublin Central TD also told of his shock that young people and students taking a year out were ignoring the United States in favour of different travel destinations because of tough alcohol laws.
“I was at a meeting where some were asked why they weren’t going to America and one of the reasons given was because you have to be 21 to drink in America.
“That’s extraordinary and a reflection of the whole approach to alcohol and drugs in this country.”
