Sinn Féin general election candidate for Louth Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú has commended the National Drugs and Organised Crime Unit on this evening’s arrest of two men and seizure of cannabis worth over €3 million. 

Councillor Ó Murchú, who is Chairperson of Louth Drug and Alcohol Forum, said;

“This is a seizure of a huge volume of illicit drugs which would have made their way into the local supply chain.

“The removal of these drugs and the arrest of two individuals is extremely welcome news and represents a highly successful operation by An Garda Síochána.

“In addition Dundalk Gardaí seized €5,000 and made one arrest in Muirhevnamor on Sunday 27th October.

“Almost daily I am contacted by constituents who have concerns regarding drug use, addiction services, mental health supports or the crime and intimidation associated with the drug trade.

“In the past week I have conducted meetings in Dundalk with the Family Addiction Support Network and with the Manager of the Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project.

“On both of those occasions the prevalence of drugs within communities in Dundalk was cited.  Also the hugely detrimental impacts of drug use on the addict themselves, their family members, their community and wider society was discussed.

“Community project managers have told me that low level drug dealing is rife in some areas of Dundalk.  

“Whereas in the past this activity was undertaken by a limited number of drugs dealers; currently drugs pushers are using a whole network of people, often children, in the sale and supply chain.”

Sinn Féin TD for Louth Gerry Adams added;

“I have raised the issue of drugs in Louth and the associated crime and violence many times with the Minister for Justice.

“This evening’s success demonstrates that targeted Garda resources can be successful against the drug criminals.

“It is every parent’s worst fear that their child will get caught up in the drugs empire.  Any interventions to take drugs and drug pushers off the streets must be welcomed and I wholeheartedly commend this evening’s operation in Louth.”