Kerry Drug Unit seize over €33 million in drugs so far this year

The breakdown of drug seizures, which includes figures for 2023, were released at a Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting at Kerry County Council on Friday.

The targeting of international and local drug networks was cited as the ‘main success’ of the Garda Drug Unit so far this year.

To date, 60 search warrants were executed resulting in drug detections in Q. 1, with 244 recorded searches of persons or vehicles. Included is the interception of €1.1 million in cannabis at Abbeyfeale, and the €32 million in crystal meth at Cork Port.

“We significantly hyped up a number of operations targeting those in the higher echelons of organised crime in the division, and we’ve had significant success in that regard,” Inspector Hugh Twomey said.

“This [€33.5 million] is the highest of any drugs unit in the country so far this year. Obviously, it was significantly boosted by the two cannabis and crystal meth operations mentioned. Along with the other local seizures, this has resulted in massive success for us,” he added.

Figures for 2023 show the total value of drug seizures in Kerry was €600,514. A total of 493 drug seizures were carried out, 93 of which were for sale and supply and 400 listed as ‘simple possession’.

Cannabis (54 per cent) and Cocaine (43 per cent) are the most commonly used drugs, with heroin at one per cent, and amphetamine and other drugs totalling two per cent.

Inspector Twomey said cannabis and cocaine are clearly the ‘drug of choice’ based on the Unit’s work. He said seizures are ‘significant’ because of the organisational work involved in operations.

“I don’t think that’s a surprise [cannabis and cocaine]. That has been the trend for a number of years. They are the most used recreational drugs, which is a term we don’t like using as all drugs cause serious harm to people and families,” Inspector Twomey said.

“The seizures don’t just happen, they are as a result of significant operations we’ve put in place. They are the result of work and investigations carried out…2023 was a very successful year in terms of the Drug Unit in Kerry with significant seizures,” he added.

Kerry Drug Unit is also actively involved with various community organisation regarding education on drug use. These include transition year students and drug awareness presentations at MTU and Kerry College.

Secondary school pupils have been provided with drug awareness presentations, while presentations for hotel staff and local vintners groups have featured.

Breakdown of drug seizures in Kerry for Q. 1 of 2024.

• January - Seizure of cocaine worth €32,200, cash and two firearms in Mid Kerry.
• January - Two seizures of Cannabis with a value €111,640 in Kenmare.
• February - Seizure of €1.1 million of cannabis in Abbeyfeale.
• February - Seizure of €30,000 in cocaine in Listowel area.
• February - Seizure of €32 million in crystal meth at Cork Port.
• March - Seizure of €17,000 worth of cocaine in Dingle.
• March – Seizure of €100,000 cannabis in Listowel.

Breakdown of significant drug seizures in Kerry in 2023:

• February - 31,000 worth of cannabis seized in North Kerry.
• February - €15,000 worth of cocaine in Tralee.
• March - €15,000 worth of cannabis in Tralee.
• May - €65,000 wort of cocaine in Tralee.
• July - €16,870 worth of cocaine in North Kerry.
• September - €42,000 seized in one search followed by €7,000 worth of cannabis and €5,180 of cocaine in follow up search in Killarney.
• November - €87,000 worth of cocaine seized in North Kerry.