€2.6m drugs seizures in 2019 only represents 10 % of true picture

DRUG seizures across Tallaght and Rathfarnham in 2019 were valued at almost €2.6m, down from €3.5m in the same areas in 2018.

These statistics were released by gardai in 2019, and were highlighted again in the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force’s draft report on the landscape of substance misuse and its impact on the communities covered by them.

According to the task force, when these figures were presented to them in 2019 gardai had indicated that they were likely to only represent 10 per cent of the true picture in the communities of Tallaght and Rathfarnham.

It is noted in the draft report that cannabis, heroin and cocaine are consistently the three highest-value drugs that are seized and, while it is increasing, the amount and value of crack cocaine seized remains low.

In nationwide crime statistics for the period of 2003 to 2019 inclusive, Tallaght Garda Station had the fourth highest number of crimes recorded in the PULSE system, behind the Bridewell, Pearse Street and Store Street garda stations.

In terms of garda resources, the task force stated in the draft report that the Tallaght district would welcome additional community gardai in the area, as it would “provide the increased visibility needed to reassure the community”.