There has been a huge increase in the rates of young women taking cocaine, a leading drugs expert disclosed yesterday.
Prof Eamon Keenan also told the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use there had been a “tripling” in people presenting for treatment in the last six years. Prof Keenan, the HSE’s lead on addiction, revealed there are 11,359 people on opioid replacement therapy out of an estimated total of around 20,000 users.
He also told the assembly there had been a rise in THC content in cannabis – the principal psychoactive constituent of the drug. Prof Keenan also said the psychiatric admissions linked to cannabis and cocaine have increased.
Garda Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly told the gathering that more than €335million worth of drugs were seized in the last eight years, along with 147 firearms and €28million in cash. While there have been widespread calls for the legalisation of some drugs, Mr Kelly expressed concern over any potential plans.
He said that far from taking the supply out of the hands of the cartels in some cases this has led to an increase in crime. There have also been suggestions that the State should regulate the supply of drugs and even apply taxes. But Mr Kelly pointed out that cocaine was only produced by cartels in South America and these are responsible for huge numbers of deaths.
He said: “It would be unconscionable for the Irish State to source cocaine from cartels.” He added that most of the criminals supplying drugs in Ireland do not live here in the State.
Mr Kelly also said this filters down through society with many users committing crime to fuel addiction. He also highlighted drug-related intimidation – where illegal substance debts are levied against families, especially parents. Mr Kelly also stressed the importance of education around drugs.
The assembly yesterday concluded its inaugural meeting at The Grand Hotel in Malahide. Speaking at the close of the session, assembly chairperson Paul Reid said the weekend’s discussions demonstrated the breadth and complexity of the issues that the convention will consider over the next six months.
Mr Reid also welcomed members’ understanding and determination to produce informed recommendations. He added: “We have now begun the most ambitious and far-reaching discussion on drugs use and national drugs policy that has ever taken place in Ireland.
“This assembly has the opportunity to be transformative. Clearly our members recognise this and I want to thank them for their enthusiasm, engagement and eagerness to learn. This weekend we have explored a wide range of issues including why people take drugs, the impact of drugs on individuals, their families and communities, how drugs are regulated, and the pervasiveness of drugs in our society.
“We have also heard about national and international drugs policy. It is crucial that we have this information as a baseline to begin to explore specific issues.”
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