Ireland could be facing a new heroin epidemic with shipments flooding in from Britain, it was claimed tonight.
As a United Nations watchdog revealed the UK had the largest seizure rate of the Class A narcotic in Europe, a Dublin TD urged the authorities to fend off the threat through education.
Independent representative Tony Gregory said most of the illegal drugs consignments come in from Liverpool, Manchester and London.
"Britain's problems could have a quick impact on this country," he insisted.
"We had a major heroin crisis with in excess of 16-17,000 addicts in Dublin.
"That levelled off but the risk is there again.
"If the indicators are that heroin is on the increase and Britain is now one of the highest sources that could have major implications for this country."
"The only way of dealing with a situation like this is through education," Mr Gregory stressed.
"You can't contain it through crime prevention or supply controls."
PA