DRUGS WAR MUST BE MAINTAINED

Success in the Garda sting against drug dealers is to be applauded. As
a result of extending Operation Clean Streets for the first time to
areas outside Dublin, nearly 200 alleged pushers have been arrested.

This follows a two-month undercover operation in which gardai bought
drugs in towns and villages ranging from heroin to ecstasy, cannabis
and amphetamines. Aimed at netting dealers who cause untold misery to
their victims, the operation provides indisputable evidence that the
drugs problem is not confined to Dublin.

Designed to compliment the Criminal Assets Bureau's assault on major
drug barons, there is a strong case for making the sting an everyday
weapon in the Garda fight against the drugs scourge. If additional
resources are required to strengthen manpower in anti-drug units, the
Government should not hesitate to provide them.