CALLS by members of the public to a confidential line have resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis, it was revealed last week.
Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, gave an update on the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing service that provides a secure means for members of the public to report drug dealing without giving their name or address.
It is managed by Crimestoppers and supported by the gardaí and the Department of Health.
A total of 104 calls have been made so far during 2016 to the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing line (1800250025) from every region of the country.
The information provided has assisted in the seizure of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
During 2015, 141 calls relating to drugs were received and in 2014 156 were recorded. As a result of these calls, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis herb were seized on separate occasions during 2015, with individuals arrested and charged with possession for sale and supply.
Several seizures of improvised firearms and ammunition were also made.
Minister Byrne called on service users, parents, families, young people and all members of society with information regarding drug dealing to contact the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing line.
‘‘I firmly believe that awareness campaigns such as this have an important role to play in preventing and reducing problem drug use in our communities,” Minister Byrne stated.
“I would encourage anyone who has information on drug dealing to go to the gardaí or ring the confidential line.”
The minister said that problem drug use continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing the country.
“It results in damaging consequences for the individual concerned, for their families, and also impacts the wider community,” the minister added. “Every community is affected by drug abuse and addiction. As Minister with responsibility for the Drugs Strategy I have been leading on the development of the New National Drugs Strategy, which will be launched in early 2017.”