Garda Chief explains rise in drug possession in Laois

A rise in recorded drug possession for personal use in Laois could be explained by the Electric Picnic and the effectiveness of the local Drugs Unit. 

That was the opinion of Laois Offaly Garda Superintendent, Anthony Lonergan, when asked about the figures at a recent Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting. 

Fine Gael Cllr Thomasina Connell asked about the rise which was up 18 percent from 347 in the third quarter of 2022 to 411 in the same period this year. 

Chief Supt Lonergan said there is a dedicated drugs unit in Laois that is working hard and enjoying success. He said they are tackling drug dealers not only at street level but also on those above them who are dealing in larger amounts.

He said the timeframe in question coincided with the Electric Picnic and other events and these would have seen an increase in the number of people in the county.  

The figures show that possession for the purpose of sale or supply was up from 50 to 54, an increase of eight percent over the  same period. 

“That is an indication of the work that is going on,” said Chief Supt Lonergan.

The figures indicated no change in the number of people  caught with offensive weapons which was steady at six over the three month period.

There was a rise in the number of people found in possession of firearms which rose from two incidents last year to three in 2023.