A sharp increase in ecstasy use and addiction problems has been recorded in rural areas.
The economic downturn has led to a move away from the use of cocaine because people can no longer afford it, a drugs taskforce was told.
But there has been an increase in the numbers of people presenting with ecstasy and mephedrone addiction problems at treatment centres in the region.
Mephedrone had previously been available at head shops and is considered a cheaper alternative to cocaine.
Speaking at the launch of its annual report in Killarney yesterday, Southern Regional Taskforce co-ordinator Chris Black warned that it remained relatively easy to buy online.
This meant the drug known as "miaow-miaow" presented a huge challenge for customs.
Source: Majella O'Sullivan, Irish Independent, 17/11.2012
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
