The largest increase in drug crime is outside of Dublin.
That’s according to the latest CSO figures.
There were 214 drug crime arrests made in Co. Sligo last year, up by almost 85% over the fours years leading upto 2018.
In South Donegal, there were 58 arrests and a further 10 in North Leitrim.
Traditionally, Cocaine use was seen as a city drug, however, in recent years there have been more cases outside of urban areas.
Senior Garda officials believe the official crime statistics don’t reflect the actual number of users.
Sean O’Connor, coordinator with the North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, says that cocaine usually follows the economy.
Mr. O’Connor says with the use of cocaine on the rise, he is encouraging people not to feel pressured into taking it.
