Urgent Call to Ban ‘Cocaine Kits’ in Dublin Amid Drug Surge

UPDATE: Former Garda Christy is urgently calling on the Government of Ireland to ban the sale of controversial ‘cocaine kits’ in Dublin shops, warning they could lead young people to experiment with drugs. The alarming kits, which contain a mirror, razor blade, snorting tube, vial, and metal spoon, are currently sold legally, raising serious concerns about their impact on youth drug culture.

Speaking on Lunchtime Live, Christy expressed his shock that such items are openly available. “What you’re doing is encouraging people to think that this is okay,” he stated. “You go in and you buy a pouch, then you have to go on and make a purchase of your cocaine—it’s all seemingly acceptable.” He emphasized that this normalization of drug use is dangerous, given the extensive damage drugs can inflict on individuals and society.

Cocaine use in Ireland has escalated dramatically, with deaths linked to the drug soaring by an astonishing 1,831% over the past two decades. Christy warned, “We have a serious problem with drugs, and we’re talking about cocaine here, we’re talking about ketamine—another drug that’s come to the fore in the last number of years.” He urged the Government to act swiftly, suggesting they could enact a statutory instrument to ban these kits.

The situation is further exacerbated by covert advertisements on social media, where these kits are marketed under misleading descriptions. Christy noted, “There’s stuff being sold online through the black market and it’s being advertised as something totally different.” His concerns highlight a critical moment, as young people are increasingly exposed to these items, potentially leading to a greater acceptance of hard drug use.

The former Garda’s call to action comes at a crucial time, as community leaders and health officials are stressing the need for immediate intervention. The presence of these kits in shops not only normalizes drug use but also poses a direct threat to the health and safety of youth in Dublin.

Authorities are now under pressure to respond to this growing crisis. If the government acts quickly, they may be able to prevent further normalization of drug culture among young people. As this story develops, the impact on public health and safety remains a pressing concern.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds. The sale of ‘cocaine kits’ is not just a local issue; it poses a significant threat to communities nationwide.