Drug searches surge by almost 40 percent in Sligo-Leitrim in 2024 as national figures drop

Drug searches in the Sligo-Leitrim Garda Division increased by nearly 39 percent in 2024.

According to statistics from Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, 545 drug searches were carried out in 2024, up from 393 in 2023, an increase of 152.

In contrast, neighbouring County Donegal saw a decline of nearly 14 percent, with 404 drug searches in 2024 compared to 468 the previous year.

Nationally, over 7,000 fewer drug searches were conducted in 2024 compared to 2022, with the most significant decreases recorded in the Garda Southern Region, which experienced a 30 percent drop.

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Figures show that a total of 40,642 searches were carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Acts in 2024. These include searches for possession of drugs as well as possession for sale or supply. This is down from 43,682 searches in 2023 and 47,780 in 2022. 

The decline has been linked to reduced Garda presence on the streets.

Drug-related issues in Leitrim have been raised at Council level, with two motions on the topic proposed during the July Council meeting.

Cllr Cormac Flynn received unanimous support for his motion calling for drug education programmes to be introduced in schools, citing the growing popularity and normalisation of recreational drug use. 

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He requested these programmes be developed in cooperation with agencies such as the Gardaí.

Cllr James Gilmartin also proposed a motion seeking a ban on Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) products, which have been available in Ireland since 2022 and have been linked to cases of psychosis.

On Tuesday, July 29, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD announced that a ban on HHC products is being implemented due to health and regulatory concerns.