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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: IRELAND
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
Ireland is not a principal drug-producing country, but remains a key
transshipment point for narcotics bound for the United Kingdom and
continental Europe. Ireland complies fully with EU regulations on
precursor chemical control and is not a significant money-laundering
center.
II. Status of Country
In 1995, the largest drug seizures in Ireland were of cannabis, ecstasy,
and heroin. Irish authorities continue to report cannabis seizures far
in excess of estimated local demand, revealing Ireland's importance as a
regional transshipment point. Ecstasy use skyrocketed in 1995, with
Irish officials confirming reports of its widespread availability
throughout the country. Heroin abuse remains a significant social
problem in Ireland, particularly in depressed urban areas in and around
Dublin.
III. Country Action Against Drugs in 1995
Policy Initiatives. In July 1995, the Irish Minister of Justice
presented a comprehensive plan to counteract drug trafficking in
Ireland. Provisions of the plan include: enhancing naval officers'
search and seizure powers with regard to drugs; lengthening detention
periods for suspected drug smugglers; and allowing police
superintendents to issue search warrants in drug-related cases. In
November, Parliament began drafting legislation that will need to be
approved before the bulk of the plan can be implemented. Parliament
expects to consider the legislation during its 1996 session.
Law Enforcement Efforts. Irish authorities moved drug-related crime to
the top of Ireland's law enforcement agenda in 1995, replacing counterterrorism
security concerns. The Justice Ministry's comprehensive
counter-drug plan has resulted in the reorganization of local police
drug squads and the creation of a National Drugs Unit (NDU). The NDU,
staffed by 40 full-time police officers, one customs liaison officer and
headed by a detective chief superintendent, concentrates on importers,
smugglers and traffickers and supports the efforts of local drug squads.
Corruption. Corruption among officials is not a problem in Ireland.
Agreements and Treaties. Concerns over extradition provisions in the
1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances delayed ratification in 1995, but Irish
officials hope ratification will occur during the first half of 1996.
Ireland is a founding member of the Dublin group and, although not a
major donor, participates in the United Nations Drug Control Program
(UNDCP). Ireland is an active participant in various EU counternarcotics
programs including the Drugs and Organized Crime Working Group
and the EUROPOL drugs unit.
Cultivation/Production. Ireland is not a significant cultivation site
for illicit drugs. However, authorities have reported annual seizure
rates of several hundred cannabis plants over the past few years. In
1995, Irish authorities raided two ecstasy-producing laboratories - the
first confirmation of local ecstasy production.
Drug Flow/Transit. Several major cannabis seizures occurred in 1995.
Irish authorities believe the size of the seizures - in one case over 12
metric tons - indicates the motivation for smugglers was transshipment
rather than local supply. Cannabis transits Ireland en route to
continental Europe and the United Kingdom. Most cannabis available in
the Irish market originates in North Africa, primarily Morocco, and is
transported to Ireland by sea. Traffickers transport heroin and ecstasy
to Ireland via air and passenger ferry, usually in quantities of
approximately 100 grams.
Demand Reduction. In December 1995, the Education Minister announced a
three-year pilot drug abuse prevention program targeting primary
students, their parents and disadvantaged pupils. The program, slated
to begin in September 1996, will consist of a drug awareness program for
parents and teachers; a drug prevention program for primary pupils; and
an anti-heroin program in schools located in areas with serious heroin
abuse problems. Treatment facilities, particularly spaces for methadone
maintenance programs, remain inadequate. Department of Health officials
confirm that between 800 and 1,000 heroin addicts are on waiting lists
for methadone maintenance.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. Irish and US customs officials have completed
negotiations and anticipate signing a Customs Mutual Assistance
Agreement in early 1996. The Irish also have raised the possibility of
negotiating a Judicial Assistance Agreement which would cover asset
seizures in narcotics-trafficking cases.
The Road Ahead. The United States looks forward to working closely with
Ireland during its 6-month EU presidency (beginning in July 1996) to
advance counter-narcotics elements of the New Transatlantic Agenda
agreed by President Clinton and EU leaders in Madrid in December.
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