Sad reality of Mayo teenage drug use revealed

TWO teenagers smoking dope while waiting for the school bus in a small town at eight in the morning – that is the reality of drug use in Mayo.

The 'sighting' was highlighted by Councillor Christy Hyland at a policing meeting where he pointed out that the children were going to school, 'and teachers have to deal with that'.

In a bid to tackle the issue, people who carry drugs in their vehicles should be banned from driving for life, or at least a minimum of five years.

That was the proposal made at the Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC) by Councillor Gerry Coyle as part of a clampdown on drugs being transported into areas.

Councillor Neil Cruise further suggested that traffickers cars – the one of the highest value which they own – should be taken and crushed in front of them.

Councillor Michael Burke seconded Councillor Coyle's proposal, saying it was important that someone caught with drugs should have their car taken off them.

Superintendent Joe McKenna reported how 69 people were searched on the streets in the Mayo division for drugs in November, with 13 searches of houses under warrant also taking place.

Seventeen people were found in possession of drugs for their own use, with a further five in possession of drugs for sale or supply. The value of drugs for sale or supply was €41,760.

There was one incident of cultivation discovered last month, with drugs valued at €3,500.

Concern over the number of gardaí in the Mayo drugs unit – five members – was again raised. There should probably be four times that amount, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne suggested.

The community engagement policing plan for Mayo is looking to educate young people, parents and communities about drugs, and is reaching out to community groups registered with the JPC.

Councillor Gerry Coyle said parents and teachers are frightened and they don't know what to do if they find drugs.