Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): Methamphetamine is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984. Recorded seizures of methamphetamine by An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Customs Service, as recorded by the Forensic Science Laboratory, for the years 2007 – 2011 (up to 30 September, 2011) are set out below.

 

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that a recent seizure of methamphetamine at Dublin Airport was found to be in crystal form. However, the Garda National Drugs Union is of the opinion that this was an isolated seizure and is not indicative of a new or developing phenomenon with regard to this drug.

 

The Health Service Executive has also advised that the number of persons currently presenting for drug treatment services who report any use of crystal methamphetamine remains very small. That said, as the Deputy has highlighted, misuse of methamphetamine remains a significant part of the international drug problem and its abuse can result in extremely harmful medical and social consequences. We must therefore continue to monitor the drugs situation as it occurs so as to identify any emerging trends.

 

As the Deputy may be aware an Early Warning Emerging Trends Sub-Committee, under the auspices of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), is in place to monitor emerging trends in problem drug use in this jurisdiction. Representation on this Committee includes a range of State departments and agencies including my own Department and An Garda Síochána.

 

I am informed that An Garda Síochána is acutely aware of the dangers associated with this drug. In 2007 the Garda National Drugs Unit hosted an international seminar, under the EU-funded AGIS Programme, to examine the potential threat posed by methamphetamine within the European Union.

 

An Garda Síochána remains committed to tackling the supply of all drugs at all levels in keeping with its commitment to the National Drugs Strategy. An Garda Síochána in liaison with the Customs authorities and its European counterparts, will continue to closely monitor the availability of drugs including methamphetamine within this jurisdiction, based on an on-going analysis of intelligence and drug-seizure data.

 

Seizures of Methamphetamine recorded by the Forensic Science Laboratory for each year 2007 – 2011

 

*(up to 30 September 2011)

 

 

Written Answers – Drug Seizures

Vol. 744 No. 4

Tuesday, 25 October 2011