Cocaine Destroying Rural Ireland

Tis a downright disgrace!

Gardai are “surprised” at the “complete disconnect” between cocaine users and the “damage that’s doing”.

I wonder what age were you in the 90's that you don't have any memory of what it was actually like. 6?

My recollection of the 90's was that it was a time we gladly clawed our way out of. Even more global conflict than we have today, Rwanda genocide, Iran Iraq, Bosnia Chechnya, etc. Plus seemingly non-stop bombings and terrorism here in Ireland. The good friday agreement was 1998 remember. Recall the Omagh bombing? How about a nice bit of corruption on top, Beef tribunal?

Ireland was practically a theocracy of Catholicism still in the 90's, meaning if you weren't a straight white married man, you didn't quite have all the human rights. Being gay was illegal. Having a pamphlet of information about birth control or abortion was a crime. Recall the "X" case? The raped pregnant child who wasn't allowed travel for an abortion? Rape and domestic violence was aok if you were married. And for half the population, opportunities blocked. I was in secondary school, and to do "honours maths" I had to get an exception to walk 15 mins up the road to the boys school with two of my classmates as the local nuns didn't even teach it to girls. Missed the first and last 15 mins of every single class, so the teacher in the boys school made them all doubles so we could at least catch some of it. Sure what would girls need that for said the nuns. (I still daydream about taking my 1990's leaving cert A in H.Maths and shoving it up those nun's habits. Better yet if it's framed under glass)

And come now, mobile phones? Mobile phones are up there with the top things us humans ever created, for connecting with each other, getting around, accessing the whole planet of information in seconds. I'll take the downside of social media no problemo. I can see where my kids are at all time, see what they are doing on their phones, they call me if they need help with something. A million miles away from being stranded at the side of the road in the rain in the 90's because someone's mammy didn't remember it was her turn to pick you up after school.

And you are deluded if you think there weren't drugs. There were plenty.

F the 90's, good riddance.

Not rural Ireland but Dublin. Sometimes I have to feel sorry for the guards. Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

Garda to face court after car chase involving girl on scooter who was suspected of selling drugs.

Pursuit officer has been charged with dangerous driving

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/garda-to-face-court-after-car-chase-involving-girl-on-scooter-who-was-suspected-of-selling-drugs/a889727871.html

A complaint was later made to the police ombudsman, Fiosrú, which investigated. The officer has now been charged with dangerous driving.

The ombudsman said when contacted: “Following an investigation by Fiosrú, a garda member is due to app­ear in court on March 26, 2026, on a dangerous driving charge, based on a direction of the DPP.”

Detective Garda Mark Ferris, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) elected official in Dublin West, said he could not comment on the case, but pointed out that gardaí generally were increasingly concerned about rules governing pursuits.

“As this matter is now before the courts, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to comment on the specific facts of the case or on the individual member involved,” he said.

“What I can say is that there is real concern among rank-and-file gardaí that colleagues are now facing the most serious criminal allegations arising from incidents where they were attempting, in good faith, to respond to criminality involving high-risk vehicles like e-scooters and scramblers.

“This sits against a backdrop where there is still no dedicated pursuit driving training or tactical training framework in this jurisdiction, despite the acknowledged dangers of these situations.

“My colleagues in the DMR West fully accept that they must be accountable for their actions, but accountability has to be matched with proper training, clear policy and realistic support if we expect gardaí to make split-second decisions in fast-moving, dangerous environments.

I welcome Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly’s acknowledgement of how difficult these situations are

“That balance is essential both for public confidence and for the safety of my colleagues who go out there and police these areas on behalf of the community.

“I welcome Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly’s recent comments recognising the need for proper pursuit and driving training for gardaí and his ack­nowledgement of how difficult these situations are for members on the ground.

“I hope that the GRA will be fully engaged in shaping whatever new training, tactical frameworks and protections are developed so that they reflect the realities of day-to-day policing, rather than just what looks good on paper.”

Nine days ago, the Garda Commissioner said he was looking into training for gardaí when they are in pursuit of suspects on e-scooters and other vehicles.

Mr Kelly said there will be “changes and improvements across the board”, including driving training for gardaí.

I'd imagine if indebted addicts really are applying for credit union loans, they're probably saying that it's for a house extension, holiday or a car.

Whether you believe in the War on Drugs, or in liberalisation, there needs to be a joined-up-thinking. There isn't currently joined up thinking.

I have long opposed criminalising recreational users, who by and large are not bad people. I support continued criminalising of the dealers though.

You get your kids invested in some hobby…… doesnt matter what it is as long as they are passionate about it they will probably not be mixing with the drugs crowd. Another criticism is the family dinner table and the mobile phone. You will never be so isolated with a mobile phone. nothing sadder to see at a restaurant is a table of 8 and they all on mobile phones. The dinner table should be an educational experience where father is checking in on his day with his children and finding out what they are learning in school.

So what's in the suitcase Miss?

Oh nathin, just a 'alf million euro o 'erb

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/english-teen-girl-with-no-history-of-offending-caught-bringing-500000-worth-of-cannabis-through-dublin-airport/a2133873723.html