Text of speech to Dublin Corporation "Drugs in Dublin" conference.

This speech deals with the criminal aspects of drug use in Dublin and Garda initiatives to deal with this problem. In an era of open borders, free movement of goods and persons, it is a very difficult task to prevent illegal importation and the majority of heroin finding its way onto a Dublin street has its origin in Asia. There is ongoing cooperation between An Garda Siochana, the Defense Forces (particularly the Naval Service) and the Customs authorities. Hard drugs did not materialise as a problem until the late 1970s. Between 1970 and 1977 seizures were small in number and very few seizures were related to opiate possession or use. Heroin appeared on the street in a significant way between 1980 and 1986. The Gardai have been active throughout the community particularly in schools via the schools and juvenile diversions programme. The underlying philosophy underpinning Operation "Dochas" was that close contact and co-operation with the Community was essential to a successful handling of this serious issue of drug abuse and related problems. Garda members were nominated to maintain close personal contact with all concerned in their "Community Areas.