Rise in drug and weapon offences in Laois

Drug and weapon offences rose in the first quarter of 2023 when compared to the same period last year. 

The figures were outlined at the latest meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee. 

There were nineteen arrests for possession of drugs for sale or supply in the county in the first quarter of 2023, up from 17 in 2022.

In line with figures from 2022, there were no recorded instances of cultivation of drugs or possession of firearms. 

There were five instances of possession of offensive weapons, down from ten during the same period in 2022. 

The largest increase was recorded in possession of drugs for personal use. These rose from 59 last year to 76 this year. 

The total number of recorded drug and weapons crimes was 100, up from 86 in the first quarter of 2022.