T0.1 National profile
Domestic drug market

The only drug produced in Ireland is cannabis. However, the market is constantly changing; pre-precursors such as alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) and benzyl cyanide, and precursors such as piperonyl methyl ketone (PMK) and benzyl methyl ketone (BMK), have been detected in Ireland in the past number of years. Synthetic drugs are not produced in Ireland, nor are general illegal drugs tableted here. Ireland is viewed as an end source, not a transit country. Its long coastline acts as a route for drugs to be brought into the United Kingdom (UK) and the rest of Europe. In 2024, law enforcement operations on the island of Ireland carried out by the Revenue and An Garda Síochána (AGS) indicated that illegal drugs brought into Ireland originated in areas such as Europe (Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain), Asia (India, Hong Kong, Thailand), South Africa; the United Kingdom, the United States of America (USA); and Canada. The main modes of transport were by freight via Rosslare Europort, Cork and Dublin Port, by plane via Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports, or via the postal system.

National drug law offences

Information regarding Ireland’s drug law offences comes from the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service (IPS), and AGS data via the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Data provided by the Courts Service refer to the total number of drug offences and are not differentiated by drug type. However, AGS data, which differentiate by drug offence type, indicate that the total number of drug offences recorded in 2024 (16 121) was lower than 2023 (17 243). By type of drug offence for the supply offences, between 2023 and 2024, incidents for importation of drugs increased by 59% and incidents for cultivation or manufacture decreased by 10%. For possession offences, between 2023 and 2024, decreases were evident for both possession of drugs for sale or supply (10%) and possession of drugs for personal use (7%).

Key drug supply reduction activities

Ireland is very committed to reducing drug supply, as evidenced by law enforcement responses demonstrated in key actions in the national drugs strategy and in policing plans, which have been implemented across the island of Ireland. A multifaceted, multi-agency approach has been drawn upon; this includes collaborative working and information sharing between Irish law enforcement agencies such as AGS, Revenue, the IPS and the Probation Service at the national level; and between cross-border agencies such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and European and international agencies. Operations have focused on drug interdiction and have targeted organised crime groups (OCGs), gangland crime, and drug-related intimidation; for example, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) was established to tackle drugs and organised crime, with operations continuing to be implemented in 2024; Operation Tara targeted drug trafficking; Operation Mantel and HAECHI targeted money laundering and Operation Thor targeted OCGs. Agencies have aimed to address reoffending: the Irish Youth Justice Strategy was launched in 2021, and interventions are reviewed and strengthened annually. On the island of Ireland, Garda Youth Diversion Projects for juveniles and youth have been established and continue to be expanded; child detention schools that have youth advocacy programmes have also been established. The Probation Service prioritises positive behaviour and restorative practice. Intervention and prevention strategies are being strengthened to provide greater early intervention.