Heroin was the second most seized drug in Galway last year, Gardai told the County JPC meeting on Monday.
Almost 150 cases were brought last year against individuals charged with the sale or supply of drugs, a rise of almost fifty per cent on the previous year.
Despite this increase, gardai say that what they are seizing is merely the tip of the iceberg. €234,000 worth of cannabis was seized by Gardai in Galway last year; €142,000 worth of heroin and €130,000 worth of cocaine.
In reply to a question from Cllr Liam Carroll, Chief Supt Tom Curley said that they are aware that pressure is being exerted by drug dealers on the innocent families of young people caught up in the trade.
