HIGH-POWERED DELEGATION TO TRACK DOWN DUTCH-BASED IRISH DRUGS BARONS

A High-powered Delegation Is To Travel To Holland To Track Down Drug Barons
Supplying The Domestic Market.

An all party Oireachtas committee confirmed last night that it has launched
an investigation into the European drugs trade to put some of the country's
most notorious dealers out of business. It hopes to identify suppliers with
the help of the authorities in each EU State.

Many of Ireland's leading crime lords fled to Holland and other European
states four years ago following a crackdown by the Criminal Assets Bureau
in the wake of journalist Veronica Guerin's murder.

This new investigation is being spearheaded by the Joint Oireachtas
European Affairs Committee who will seek the help of Dutch officials in
cutting off the illegal drug supply.

Committee chairman Deputy Bernard Durkan said they had decided to seek the
assistance of the Dutch Ambassador because there is evidence to suggest a
large percentage of heroin in Ireland is sourced through Holland.

"It is seen as the staging post for drug activity and we want to see what
we can do to help the Irish and Dutch police in cutting off the supply,"
Deputy Durkan added.

However, it was not clear last night if the Dutch Ambassador, Peter Van
Vliet, would take up the Committee's invitation. He has indicated that they
should make a request through official channels.

Mr Van Vliet declined an earlier request to make a presentation on the
treatment of heroin addicts in Holland and Dutch drug policy.

He sent the Committee the information it requested, but did not take up
their invitation to make a personal presentation because he said he had
nothing to add.

Asked if he would appear before the Committee, Mr Van Vliet said: "I cannot
say beforehand if I can help. Let them put the request to me.

"But if the Government wants help I would expect the request to come
through the Department of Foreign Affairs."

Mr Van Vliet said both the Irish and Dutch police had co operated very
successfully in arresting drug traffickers. Six of them were convicted in
Irish courts this week.

But Independent Deputy Tony Gregory, who is compiling the Committee's
report on the European drug trade, said he hoped the Dutch ambassador would
appear before them.

"It would help focus the attention of Dutch authorities on Irish drug
barons based in Holland," Deputy Gregory said.