The Garda National Drugs Unit has detained three men in custody after seizing cocaine, heroin and cannabis herb with an estimated street value of € 1 million in Drogheda.
Speaking at the Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park where the drugs were on display, Detective Superintendent Stephen Courage said he was determined to eliminate the “scourge of drugs” from the streets of Ireland.
“We know that by targeting the sale and supply of drugs, we are targeting the livelihood of criminals, and reducing their ability to carry out illegal activities,” he said .
He said the Garda Drugs Unit would continue to “disrupt criminals and dismantle their networks” using “analytical and intelligence methods” to target the livelihood of criminals and prevent them from carrying out illegal activities.
Detective Courage added that the National Drugs Unit would continue to work with local Drugs Units to ensure an effective approach in protecting communities around Ireland.
“Most importantly, however, we will continue to work for and with local communities and ensure that a proactive, communicative open relationship is maintained,” he said.
He acknowledged the assistance and co-operation of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in developing new strategies to target groups and individuals involved in drug crime. He also said the Garda National Drugs Unit would work with both national and international partners to share information "for the benefit of all."
Detective Courage added that An Garda Síochána is involved in a variety of youth programmes focused on educating people about the dangers of drug use, including Garda youth diversionary projects and the Juvenile Diversion Programme.
He advised families suffering from threats and intimidation from criminal groups to contact local gardaí, adding that specially trained inspectors are available in each Division.
