Undercover operations such as Operation Cleanstreets, where gardaí buy drugs from drug dealers and then prosecute them for the sale, should be introduced all over the country, and not just confined to Dublin, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has said.
The association has also blamed lenient judges for the spread of drugs into every town, saying the drug problem was worse in places where judges adopted lenient sentencing policies.
The comments were contained in the AGSI's submission to the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy.
It has also called for 12 members to be assigned to drug units in each of the force's 28 divisions. These 336 members should then be replaced by new recruits to carry out traditional policing duties.
The AGSI also wants at least one sniffer dog and handler to be made available in each Garda region.
The association also wants stiffer sentencing for those convicted of the possession of cannabis on indictment, rather than a monetary fine.
It says the problem of non-controlled and prescription drugs also needs to be addressed. At present individuals who sell these drugs without a licence can only be prosecuted for trading without a licence.
The AGSI argues that many agencies working to combat the fall-out from drug abuse are working in isolation, or "doing their own thing". It says a multi-agency approach must be pursued.
It says that while the Criminal Assets Bureau is performing well, "there is a need for ongoing assessment of the legislation to ascertain if improvements could be made".
The AGSI also wants a clear method of measuring the success or otherwise of the fight against drugs.
"At present the status of the figures available is open to doubt. There is a feeling that a more reliable indicator of progress lies in the number of personnel detected and prosecuted rather than in the bald figures of amounts seized. For instance, one large seizure of heroin could exceed the previous year's total, but that does not give an accurate picture of overall activity."
It says alcohol is an "entry level" drug for many who progress to drugs. It is calling for CCTV cameras to be installed inside and outside off licences, and for products to be labelled with "shop of origin" details.
