Local Dublin North East Labour T.D. Tommy Broughan has received new crime figures from Justice Spokesperson Dermot Ahern after asking the Justice Minister to provide updated figures on all of the anti-drugs measures being undertaken in the Coolock Garda division. The Coolock Garda District Drug Unit comprises one Sergeant and nine Gardai.

Minister Ahern has now reported that under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977/84 in the Coolock Garda "R" district, there were 175 incidents of possession of drugs for sale of supply offences in 2007, 154 incidents in 2008 and 141 incidents up to November 19^th, 2009. In 2007, 175 persons were arrested for such offences, in 2008 222 people were arrested and in 2009 193 were arrested up to November 19^th.

Deputy Broughan has also learnt from Minister Ahern that arising from these recorded incidents there were 173 proceedings commenced and 82 convictions in 2007; 155 proceedings and 54 convictions in 2008 and 61 proceedings and 4 convictions so far in 2009.

"I welcome the reduction in offences from 2007 to 2008 and so far in 2009 and commend ongoing Gardai action under our Superintendent Mark Curran in this regard. Clearly also the work of the Dublin North East Drugs Task Force and the local RASP rehabilitation have played a role in the downward trend in drug offences in the Greater Coolock Area in recent years. It is therefore also deplorable that major cuts are now being implemented in these drug treatment and rehabilitation projects", said Deputy Broughan. "But given the scourge of drug crime and associated criminality, I would urge Minister Ahern that local Gardai are give all possible resources so that they can continue to tackle this unacceptable and pernicious problem", concluded Deputy Broughan.