No decision yet on Garda drugs and crime unit

ONLY NEW GARDA COMMISSIONER CAN DECIDE ON RESOURCES

CALLS for additional garda resources to set up a dedicated unit in Dundalk to tackle the drugs trade and organised crime were heard in the Dail last week

Louth TD Gerry Adams asked Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan if additional resources will be provided to An Garda Síochána in the Louth division to support the establishment of a drugs and organised crime unit in the Dundalk area.

The Minister replied that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel.

‘Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.’

He outlined garda resources in the Louth Division as of 31 May 2018, numbered 312, of whom 4 were allocated to the Divisional Drug Unit.

‘ There are also 23 Garda Reserves and 31 Garda civilian staff attached to the Louth Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.’

The Minister added that all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences, crime or otherwise.

‘I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction.’

He explained that a new national Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GDOCB) was established in 2015, which brought together the Organised Crime Unit and the Garda National Drug Unit ‘so as to create a robust entity to effectively tackle drugs and organised crime, as it currently exists.’

‘ The GDOCB leads out the policing strategy for tackling drugs by demand reduction and supply reduction strategies. ‘

He added: ;In this regard the Bureau continues its policy of working with Garda Divisional Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level.

This work is further supported by other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau, in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs.

‘ I am informed that this approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide.

‘We have also seen unprecedented international cooperation between An Garda Síochána and policing services in other jurisdictions leading to important arrests and drug seizures.