The top Garda official in Laois says that he is concerned about the level of drug use in the county – particularly cocaine.
Chief Superintendent John Scanlan made the comments following a question from Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley.
Speaking at the Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Dwane-Stanley asked: “Can you tell us if you have noticed an increase in the use of cocaine in the county?
“I certainly know from talking to people in the community of Portlaoise anecdotally, the evidence is there that it is awash particularly in the nightlife industry, the pubs and the nightclubs.
“That it is equivalent to going up to town for a drink socialising, the amount of cocaine I hear is being used in the town.”
In response, Chief Superintendent Scanlan said he was concerned and made particular reference to those who are drug driving.
He said: “Drugs and cocaine, yes, I would have to be concerned.
“I will put this figure out there. We did a motorway checkpoint a couple of weeks ago and we tested 13 people.
“Six of them were positive in the middle of the day for drugs. It is quite a concerning trend. It has become socially acceptable.
“I think drugs are doing untold damage to the fabric of our society.”
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