The head of the Garda drug squad today vowed to target “head shops” selling illegal highs and warned criminals targeting the controversial stores they would also be pursued.
Det Chief Supt Tony Quilter said the force was behind local communities in tackling the issue.
It is understood the Director of Public Prosecutions is preparing files against four “head shop” owners across the country for selling illegal substances.
But the Garda National Drug Unit chief warned those thinking of taking the law into their own hands. “Attacks on these premises pose danger to the communities,” the senior officer said. “This could have resulted in injuries to persons. We were fortunate that that hasn’t occurred.
“But we’re conscious that attacks of that nature are unwarranted and we are determined to stamp them out and bring any perpetrators to justice.” Gardaí declined to reveal who they believe are behind the attacks but it is thought to be either out-of-pocket drug dealers or vigilantes angered by the presence of the stores in their neighbourhoods.
Det Chief Supt Quilter said gardai were monitoring the 70 “head shops” spread across the State, with officers involved in undercover operations to investigate whether highs being sold are legal. It is understood the four owners under investigation are alleged to have been selling the illegal hallucinogen Mescaline.
“Head shops” have begun dropping leaflets into houses in certain areas of Dublin city advertising their products for sale and offering home delivery.
Elsewhere, the Oireachtas Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs committee called on the Government to introduce a pre-sale licensing regime for all substances sold in head shops, with owners compelled to give the name of the company producing the drug and what it is designed for.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has vowed to make head shops feel the full weight of the law with tough new legislation.
Mr Ahern is working on proposals which could be brought in within months to make supplying unregulated, mind-altering drugs a criminal offence.
PA