Expert stunned by scale of Cocaine problem: Indo

From the Irish Independent:

Expert 'stunned' by huge scale of problem
Monday September 03 2007

The clinical director of the Rutland Centre says he is "stunned at the severe escalation in the use of cocaine".

Stephen Rowen, from the residential clinic in Templeogue, South Dublin, specialising in addiction, said, "It is no longer news to say that we have a problem in Ireland -- but it is news to realise just how much of a problem we have. Heroin is a severe problem, but it seems to have plateaued. But with cocaine it just seems to keep getting bigger and bigger.

"I can only say that, of the 250 residents we see in a year, more and more people are coming in and reporting their high-level cocaine use. More than ever before.

"I don't know why, although there are theories out there. Too much money, too much alienation, increased urbanisation. A lack of attachment to any local community or family.

"Affordability is a big factor. The cost dropped by about 40pc between 1985 and 1999, but production has gone up."

He said that there is a definite hierarchy, with cocaine users looking down on the heroin users, meaning it is difficult for many to admit they have a problem at all.

"They see cocaine as a party drug, a fun thing, a cool thing."

He argues that this is the key factor in the demand for cocaine -- its acceptance in "polite" society.

Drugs seized in Tallaght: Report

From Belfast Telegraph
Cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis seized in Dublin raids

Friday, September 07, 2007

Gardai in Dublin have seized drugs worth more than €420,000 during raids on four premises in the Tallaght area of the city.

Cocaine, ecstasy and herbal cannabis were all discovered during the searches yesterday evening, along with items used in the preparation of drugs for sale, including weighing scales and wrapping materials.

Gardai say one of the targeted premises is being preserved for technical examination this morning and a number of suspects are being sought in connection with the seizures.

Middle-class drugs buyers fuel killings: President

From the Sunday Independent:

"THE middle classes who see nothing wrong in using drugs must accept their share of the blame for the spate of gangland murders, says President Mary McAleese.

"Mrs McAleese says the burgeoning drug culture and explosion of violence on our streets is a hideous development in Irish society.

""It worries me sick," she admits in a radio interview with Marian Finucane, to be broadcast [on Sunday last].

"Who creates the market that allows these people to become so powerful? It is the people with the good jobs, it is the people with the great social life, with the fancy car at the door who are doing cocaine thinking it is a really smart and cool thing to do....""

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