A “heroin club” is in operation in the heart of Limerick city.
Currently part of a wider drug investigation in operation by An Garda Siochana, the residential complex in John’s Square is frequented by junkies seeking access to an apartment where they conduct drug fuelled parties.
Residents have told this reporter that they fear for their safety.
“Out of control addicts terrorise the area attacking passers-by or anyone inquisitive enough to be there – they resort to acts of petty crime to fuel their habits – the Gardai say they have received a number of complaints and are investigating the incidents.”
One resident, who does not wish to be named said that last Sunday morning emergency service paramedics attended a man who was found beaten and in need of medical attention, following an altercation with two addicts aged just 14.
“The paramedics say that a shift does not go by for them without attending a drug related incident or overdose in the region,” they added.
Superintendent Frank O’Brien had confirmed that Garda divisions and the drug units have deployed “more resources to the detection of drug related crime” throughout all areas of the city.
But the sight of addicts “injecting heroin has become more evident on our streets and in public areas,” according Rory Keane, regional drug co-ordinator for the HSE.
With some 185 addicts registered on the HSE’s methadone maintainence programmes in the Mid West at present, it is estimated that there are now up to 550 heroin addicts in Limerick indicating a steady increase in demand of addiction services since 2006.
Mr Keane added that while there had been a “drought” and a “decrease in the availability for a period, we are hearing that it is now back available on the streets”.
High profile local criminal gangs have upped their involvement in the lucrative movement of the drug throughout the region, as sources indicate that both demand and price have rocketed the use of the drug amongst a wide range of people.
However, it has been confirmed that seizures of the drug in the Mid West have hit a record high, with several high profile “movers” before the courts and a number of convictions for the possession and sale/supply of the drug.
