GARDAI FEAR SEIZURES ARE NOT AFFECTING STREET DRUGS PRICES

The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, yesterday expressed surprise that the
price of illegal drugs on the street had not risen after recent
high-profile seizures.

Presenting prizes in an anti-drugs schools art competition organised by the
Garda Siochana, the Commissioner said: "The more successful we are, the
more expensive drugs become. When you have seizures and the price remains
level it would cause you to wonder how much drugs there are out there".

Commending the children for their efforts, the Commissioner said there was
a popular misconception that drug dealers were sinister characters who
wore dark glasses and hid in corners.

He said a Garda survey in Tipperary had shown that 75 per cent of young
people were offered their first fix from a friend. Very often this was
offered free and to children as young as 12 or 13.

The experience of the Garda had shown that the drugs addicts had used
ranged from tobacco, alcohol and inhalants to cannabis and heroin.

"Statistics show that of the heroin addicts who came to Garda notice - that
is that they were involved in crime - 50 per cent started by taking
cannabis. That should put to bed the lie that there are hard and soft
drugs. Drugs are all very much drugs as far as I am concerned", he added.

The art competition, sponsored by Glaxo Wellcome and based on a football
theme, was called "Give Drugs the Red Card". Winners will be taken to
Liverpool and Manchester United matches to see their heroes in action.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan