The number of people arrested for drug offences has surged by over 10,000 in the past decade.

Last year alone saw nearly 30,000 arrests, a significant increase from just over 19,300 in 2014.

This year, Gardaí have already made 14,203 arrests for drug-related crimes, according to figures released to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín on foot of a Dáil Question to the Minister for Justice.

The peak in drug offence arrests occurred in 2020, with a record 36,099 arrests.

Since then, the numbers have steadily declined:

• 32,072 drug arrests were made in 2021.
• 30,272 drug arrests were made in 2022.
• 29,800 drug arrests were made last year.

Dublin Region

The Dublin region accounted for approximately half of all drug-related crime arrests last year, while the Sligo-Leitrim region reported the fewest arrests, with only 88 cases.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said Government is committed to limiting access to illegal drugs and is taking a number of actions to do so.

These include increasing the sentence of conspiracy to murder from ten years to life in prison, the introduction of child grooming laws, and strengthening the Criminal Asset Bureau's ability to target the proceeds of crime.

Investment

Minister McEntee also noted an increase in investment towards tackling drug crime.

"The Government is investing record amounts into An Garda Síochána to target those involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs through Operation Tara," she said.

"Operation Tara has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing across the country, also seeks to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking networks that impact our communities and prosecute those involved at every level."

A recent survey has found that almost 70% of people in Dublin have witnessed open drug dealing. 

The survey also found that 80% of respondents have seen alcohol being consumed in public spaces and 73% have witnessed open drug use.

Main image: Gardaí on bikes patrol Maylor Street in Cork city, 05-12-2020. Image: AG News/Alamy