Drugs decriminalisation would lead to 'zombies', says former Limerick detective
Sean Lynch served in the Roxboro district for almost 30 years
THE DECRIMINLISATION of drugs would be “catastrophic” and lead to “zombies” walking the streets, a former detective garda has warned.
Sean Lynch, who served in the Roxboro district for almost 30 years has come out against Citizens Assembly recommendations which have called for a relaxation of the sanctions for those caught with illegal drugs.
It wants government to take a health-led approach to drug use, as is the case in Portugal.
Already, some parties in the Dail are pushing for the law to be changed to allow a person to possess up to seven grams of cannabis herb.
However, Mr Lynch, who also served as a councillor, says people who want to see any relaxation of laws around drug use “do not live in reality.”
“We have a huge drug problem as it is. If we are going to decriminalise it, what is the difference between decriminalising it and legalising it? We will have zombies going around, and it will create loads of dealers left, right and centre,” said Mr Lynch.
There are many unintended consequences that a relaxation of drug use will lead to, the former detective also believes.
“It will cause more health problems. Domestic abuse will escalate - domestic violence is already going through the roof - street violence will rise and drug-driving will increase,” he said.
“We have a huge problem in the city with people shoplifting. Most crime committed is drug-related. The daytime thefts, the robberies, the burglaries, street crime. It’s all drug-related because someone needs the money to get their fix. There is only one answer - a zero tolerance approach,” Mr Lynch added.
He said Limerick and Ireland is “awash” with illegal drugs. He added drug debts do not die with the person - dealers will hunt grieving families for the cash.