Limerick park sees 'queues of people to buy drugs' on regular basis
Local residents voice concerns over ongoing issue
QUEUES of people waiting to buy drugs from “lads in balaclavas” have become a regular sight for locals at Limerick’s main public park, a Joint Policing Committee (JPC) has heard.
Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely told gardaí that a number of people had contacted her on the morning of the JPC to inform her of the drug dealing operation, and suggested that these concerned locals would be available to speak to gardaí if needed.
A kiosk, located in People's Park, is the centre of the operation according to Cllr Kiely, who says those looking to buy drugs arrive there like “clockwork” in the mornings.
Superintendent Paul Reidy, of Roxboro garda station, said he was aware of youths gathering in the area “smoking e-cigarettes” and may present an “intimidatory presence” while “a lot of time they are not committing offences.”
However, he added that recently, “a local premises was raided.”
“That premises had been buying vapes and selling them to underage persons,” he added.
As part of this operation, vapes were seized and the premises was referred to the health authority, the JPC heard.
Superintendent Reidy also asked that park rangers be proactive and call gardaí, particularly when “situations are escalating or when tensions are rising with different groups.”
“Unless we know about it, we can’t respond to it,” he added.
Issues are also present in the nearby St Joseph's Street, according to Councillor Elisa O'Donovan, who said she has been contacted by residents who had been dealing with anti-social issues.
Superintendent Reidy said he was aware that it is an area that requires extra policing.
“Any additional resources that I have, I am putting there,” he added.